Kerala to train government veterinarians in human-elephant conflict response
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority will spend Rs 4.75 lakh on specialised training for veterinary staff.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) will conduct specialised training for government veterinarians to manage human-elephant conflicts in the state's high ranges and forest-fringe areas, according to a report by Urban Acres.
The initiative follows the decision to declare human-wildlife conflict a state-specific disaster. The programme will be held in two batches with an approved expenditure of Rs 4.75 lakh.
The training aims to help veterinary teams manage situations where elephants move into areas near roads, settlements, and fragmented forests. It will cover elephant behaviour, wildlife healthcare, the use of tranquillisers, rescue equipment, and legal provisions.
Veterinarians from the animal husbandry department will be sent for the training at the request of the forest department. Currently, these doctors primarily focus on domesticated animals like cattle, dogs, and cats.
A KSDMA official stated that veterinary doctors are familiar with domesticated animals but are not exposed to wildlife care. A senior veterinary doctor noted that the lack of structured training is a major shortcoming as the forest department faces increasing conflicts.
The KSDMA is expected to organise the sessions, which will include practical instruction and inter-departmental coordination. The animal husbandry department will nominate the participating veterinarians.