MIAO, Jan 27: Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve has recorded the first sighting of a wild elephant in 12 years, marking a significant step in understanding the movement and presence of elephants in the region. The male elephant was captured on January 13, 2025, by a camera trap, offering crucial insights into the elephant population in the park.
The sighting is the result of years of hard work by the park’s conservation team, led by Shri V. K. Jawal (IFS), Chief Conservator of Forests & Field Director, and Shri Biri Karba, Range Forest Officer, along with the dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to monitor and protect the park’s wildlife. Despite challenging weather conditions, especially during the monsoon when access to the area is limited, the team’s persistent efforts allowed for this rare discovery.
In its press statement, Forest Department claimed that, this sighting is of great importance, as it offers critical insights into the presence and movement patterns of elephants in the park. It also highlights the crucial need for continued patrols in vulnerable core boundary areas, particularly the Kathan region in the north-western part of Namdapha TR.
This significant discovery will update ongoing research and conservation efforts aimed at protecting the rich biodiversity of Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve. By improving monitoring and strengthening wildlife corridors, we can ensure the long-term conservation of elephants and other species in the region.
However, it is important to note that traditionally the elephant corridor extended from Namsai to Burma via Namdapha NP & TR (Boga Pahad – Bulbulia — Firmbase — Embeyong [current encroached area 38. upper and 38″ lower] — 52nd mile Nallah — Crossing Noa-Dehing river — Kodboi —Myanmar) was a vital route for elephants.
Ever since, the encroachment otook place in Embeyong area in 1996 which lies within the unauthorised occupied area presently near the 38th and 52nd mile, the traditional elephant corridor has been blocked. As a result, elephants have remained largely in the northern parts of Namdapha, sometimes venturing into fringe arms such as Kathan in the northwest, as well.
It is very important that communities work together with the Namdapha authority for a greater purpose of wildlife conservation and strive for the reopening of the traditional corridors of wild elephants in Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve, stated V. K. Jawal (IFS) Chief Conservator of Forests & Field Director Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve, Miao.
