Coimbatore: The wild tusker which was wreaking havoc in the foothills of Navamalai last week, has now crossed and got back to its territory in Nelliyampathy in Kerala after the farmers have gotten rid of the hanging solar fences to make way.
The farmers were in for quite a surprise when the forest department was all praised for their actions. M G Ganeshan, the deputy director of Anamalai Tiger Reserve, said that the concept of coexistence with the wildlife has now been proved by the farmers’ act of kindness.
The wild tusker ventured into the Navamalai premises six months ago. “There was no solar fencing during the animal’s regular migration to the state. But the farmers erected hanging solar fences after that to safeguard their crops from the wild animals’ raids. It prevented the elephant from returning to its natural habitat”, said the forest official.
The tusker attacked a bus in Navamalai three weeks ago. “It also attacked two cars, leaving an ambulance driver with the state electricity board injured. While we successfully chased the wild elephant away and rescued the driver, people were living in fear of the lone tusker”, said the official.
The officials said that the farmers were really cooperative in this mission and they also have a special team deployed at the other end to ensure safe passage for the lone tusker.
What a heartwarming story! The act of kindness by the farmers in Coimbatore—removing solar fences to allow a tusker (male elephant) to return to its habitat—shows the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife, especially in areas where human activities overlap with animal corridors.
Here’s a deeper look into what this act teaches us:
Contents
1. Compassion for Wildlife
This gesture demonstrates that compassion for wildlife can go a long way in ensuring peaceful coexistence. While solar fences are often used to keep elephants away from farmland (to prevent crop damage), the farmers’ decision to remove the fence shows a deep understanding of the needs of the animals and the fact that they have a right to roam freely in their natural habitats.
2. Coexistence with Nature
Human-wildlife conflict is a growing issue in many parts of India, particularly in areas near forest reserves and animal corridors. While such conflicts sometimes lead to crop damage or destruction of property, these farmers chose to put the tusker’s welfare first, allowing it to safely return to its natural habitat. It’s a reminder that with thoughtful measures, we can find ways to live alongside nature rather than disrupt it.
3. The Role of Local Communities
This story also highlights how local communities—especially farmers who live closest to nature—play an essential role in protecting wildlife. Their understanding of the land and wildlife, coupled with their willingness to act in ways that help, can make a huge difference in ensuring the protection of animals in the wild.
4. Preserving Elephant Corridors
Elephants require vast tracts of land to roam, and their migration paths (or corridors) are critical for their survival. Urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development often fragment these corridors, making it difficult for elephants to travel freely. The farmers removing the solar fences were not just being kind to the tusker; they were contributing to the larger effort of preserving wildlife corridors, which is crucial for the future of elephants and other wildlife.
5. Encouraging Positive Human-Animal Interactions
The positive interaction between the farmers and the tusker also opens the door for more initiatives that focus on protecting both human livelihoods and wildlife. It serves as a model for the potential of human-animal conflict resolution that is both practical and compassionate, which could inspire more communities to take similar steps.
What Led to This Decision?
It’s interesting to consider what motivated these farmers. They might have been moved by:
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Empathy: The recognition that the elephant was simply following its natural instinct and wasn’t a threat to their livelihood, but a part of the ecosystem.
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Practicality: They might have realized that a peaceful environment and respect for wildlife ultimately benefits everyone in the long term.
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Conservation Awareness: With growing awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife, these farmers might have felt compelled to make a difference.
A Bigger Picture
This incident reminds us of the larger issue of elephant conservation. According to reports, India has a growing elephant population, but the loss of their natural habitats due to deforestation, urbanization, and encroachment by human settlements poses significant risks to their survival. Initiatives like these—whether it’s removing barriers or planting more trees to create green corridors—can help maintain the balance.
Conclusion
This act of kindness by the Coimbatore farmers is a beautiful example of how empathy and understanding can bring about positive change. It’s an invitation for all of us to reflect on how we interact with the natural world around us. In the face of increasing human-wildlife conflict, acts like these show that there is always a way to find balance and respect for all living beings.
What do you think about this act of kindness? How do you think we can encourage more such actions in other places?