By Lawrence Milton, TNN | Feb 6, 2013, 08.27 PM IST

MYSORE: The state has witnessed the highest number of elephant deaths in this season, compared to the last six years.

In nine months between April and December 2012, a total of 158 elephants have died and about 18 people were killed in elephant attacks in the state. The figure is the highest ever since 2007-08. Majority of the elephants, about 141, died of natural causes, three due to gun shots and 13 of electrocution.

The figure stands testimony to the extent to which the health of elephants is affected due to the present drought-like situation.

Vet Dr D N Nagaraj says waterholes in forest areas have dried up and obviously elephants, like any other forest animal, have no water to drink especially during summer. Majority of elephants have died of natural causes which include sickness, in-fighting and infections due to lack of water.

The lack of food and water force elephants out of the forest and they end up in villages on the fringes of the forested areas. Many pachyderms can withstand heat for longer durations, but it depends on their immunity level.

Human deaths

Human deaths too have increased this season with 18 people being killed from April-December 2012. Previous season, the number of human deaths stood at 14.

An official claims elephants, which are voracious eater, have an extraordinary sense of smell to detect the presence of water sources near forested areas. Due to the drought-like situation, the animals are moving out of forests for food and water and this has led to the increased man-elephant conflict.

APCCF (wildlife) AjaiMisra told TOI that human-elephant conflict is high in irrigated areas for obvious reason. However, the officer claimed the situation is not alarming in Karnataka. Forest department has taken various precautionary measures including creating awareness to prevent the conflict.


 
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