Kerala to train government veterinarians in 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 conflict in high ranges and forest-fringe areas, according to a report by Urban Acres.
The initiative follows the state's decision to declare human-wildlife conflict a state-specific disaster. The programme will be held in two batches after the state authorised an expenditure of Rs 4.75 lakh.
The sessions will include theory and practical instruction on wild elephant behaviour, wildlife healthcare, animal management, and the use of tranquillisers and rescue equipment. Participants will also learn about legal provisions and inter-departmental coordination during crisis situations.
Currently, veterinarians from the animal husbandry department primarily focus on domesticated animals like cattle, dogs, and cats. A KSDMA official stated that these doctors are not exposed to wildlife care and that the animal husbandry department submitted a proposal for this training.
A senior veterinary doctor with wildlife experience noted that the lack of structured training is a major shortcoming as the forest department faces increasing conflicts. The doctor added that wildlife is not studied as a discipline in India.
The forest department will request the deputation of veterinarians, who will then be selected by the animal husbandry department for the KSDMA programme.