Translocated wild elephant is seen to be moving towards Bandipur reserve

Vinayagan, the wild elephant translocated from Thadagam to Mudumalai on December 18, is now traversing the forests of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR). Radio collared before being released in the MTR's Sand Road area, Vinayagan has journeyed about 30 km towards Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.

“The elephant is becoming accustomed to the new turf, moving to the northern side from the site of release, currently roaming deep inside the forest.

“It was earlier raiding crops, but now depends solely on fodder from the forest,” said an official. However, a section of farmers continues to demand the jumbo's capture and relocation elsewhere.

As the radio collar is GPS-enabled, Vinayagan's location can be tracked easily; the exact location is kept confidential for the safety of the elephant.

Latest reports from the Forest Department suggest that giant tusker has begun mingling with a herd in its new terrain.

Another tusker

Meanwhile, the Forest Department in Coimbatore has obtained an order for the translocation of Chinna Thambi, another tusker damaging crops and houses in the Thadagam valley.

Sources said that the department is likely to capture it after Pongal.

Several Forest department staff have sought leave for the festive season.

The Coimbatore Forest Division lacks a proper veterinary team to tranquillise the animal.