Mysore/Mysuru: A team of mahouts and veterinarians from Karnataka has recently captured a wild elephant that had been attacking and killing people in Arunachal Pradesh.

The team included mahouts from the Mathigodu and Dubare Elephant Camps and veterinarians from the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.

Mahouts from Karnataka, particularly those from the elephant camps in Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves, are well known for their expertise in capturing and taming wild elephants and have earned recognition at both national and international levels. The latest operation has once again drawn attention to their skill and experience.

Human-wildlife conflict has reportedly increased in Arunachal Pradesh over the past five to six months, with repeated attacks by wild elephants and tigers resulting in loss of human lives. Following these incidents, the Arunachal Pradesh Government requested the Karnataka Government to send a team of expert mahouts and veterinarians to help capture the rogue animals.

Acting on the request, Karnataka Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar deputed a special team for the operation.

12-member team

The 12-member team comprised veterinarian Dr. H. Ramesh, sharpshooter Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) K.P. Ranjan, veterinary assistant Yogesh and mahouts Nanjundaswamy, Vishwa, Eeranna, Harish and Naveen, among others. The team was sent to Arunachal Pradesh recently.

After reaching the State, the team stayed at a Forest Department guest house and drew up a plan for the operation. The elephant was successfully captured on  Apr. 1 .

Forest officials said the animal is a ‘makhna’, a male Asian elephant that either lacks tusks or has very small ones.

‘Makhna’ elephants are commonly found in the Northeast region of the country. Despite being tuskless, they are as strong as tuskers and are often known for their aggressive behaviour.