3 more wild tuskers in musth in Munnar | Thiruvananthapuram News – The Times of India

Munnar: Tension is mounting in the Munnar region after forest officials confirmed that three more wild tuskers are in musth, in addition to the popular wild tusker, Padayappa.Although Padayappa is usually found within the Devikulam forest range, the elephant was sighted on Saturday morning in areas bordering the Munnar range. Along with Padayappa, musth has now been confirmed in three other tuskers — Virinja Komban, Ottakomban and another tusker that recently strayed into Munnar from Mankulam. Pettimudi special rapid response team (RRT), operating under Munnar forest range, is closely monitoring the situation. Apart from these solitary tuskers, at least three elephant herds that regularly frequent in the region are also present in the area. As part of efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, forest department has intensified surveillance across the region. Ottakomban has reportedly been stationed near the Kallar waste treatment plant for several days. Other elephants have been intermittently entering estates in Thenmala, Kadalaar and Chokkanad, causing concern among locals and estate workers.Pettimudi special RRT was constituted under the Munnar Wildlife Division to address increasing wildlife disturbances in the area. The team comprises four officials and six watchers. In addition, around 20 trained local volunteers have been organised into “Elephant Gangs” to assist in tracking elephant movements and providing early warnings.