In News:

Karnataka Forest Department has initiated a "soft release" strategy to address the escalating human-elephant conflict in the districts of Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu. The strategy involves the phased rehabilitation of captured elephants into the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS).

Soft Release Strategy – Key Highlights

• Objective: To rehabilitate conflict-prone wild elephants and reduce human-elephant encounters.
• Implementation Site:Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS), Chikkamagaluru district.
• Initial Step: Captured elephants will be placed in a 20 sq. km enclosure within the sanctuary.
• Purpose of Enclosure:
  • Acclimatisation to the wild.
  • Health monitoring and behavioural assessment.
• Final Release: Once deemed fit, elephants will be released into one of four pre-identified zones in BWS, chosen based on:
  • Availability of water and forage.
  • Absence of human activity.
  • Road connectivity.

Monitoring & Management

• The enclosure will be fenced using railway barricades.
• A dedicated team of veterinarians will supervise the elephants from a nearby veterinary centre.
• Minimal human interaction will be ensured during the acclimatisation period.
• Expert guidance is being provided by Prof. R. Sukumar (Indian Institute of Science) and senior forest officials.

About Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS)

• Location: Western Ghats, Karnataka.
• Area: 492.30 sq. km.
• Also Known As:Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Named After: Bhadra River.
• Status: A designated Project Tiger Reserve.

Ecological Significance

• Forest Types:
  • Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests.
  • Dry Deciduous Forests.
  • Shola Forests.
• Wildlife Diversity:
  • Mammals: Tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, dholes, and deer.
  • Birds: ~250 species, including endemic birds like Hornbills, Malabar Trogon, and Hill Myna.

Significance of the Initiative

• Biodiversity Conservation: Enhances protection of endangered species and habitats in the Western Ghats.
• Conflict Mitigation: Aims to provide a sustainable solution to frequent elephant incursions, crop damage, and human casualties.
• Model Strategy: Draws upon similar practices implemented in West Bengal and tailors them to Karnataka’s ecological conditions.