DIMAPUR, October 23 (MExN): The Wildlife Division in Dimapur has issued an advisory after a herd of wild elephants, including a calf, was spotted in and around Hovishe village and nearby areas under Niuland district.
Dimapur Wildlife Division Warden H. Tokaho Kinimi, in the advisory, noted that the elephants have moved close to cultivated land in search of food and water — a seasonal occurrence caused by the temporary depletion of forest forage.
While urging residents to stay alert and follow safety precautions, the advisory stated that with responsible behaviour and collective vigilance, the current situation can be managed peacefully until the herd returns to its natural habitat.
The advisory issued by the Dimapur Wildlife Division reads as follows:
• Do not attempt to chase, confront, or harass the elephants. Such acts can provoke aggression, especially from the mother elephant and the herd, and result in serious injury, property destruction, or loss of life.
• Avoid entering forested areas, elephant corridors, or nearby streams during late hours where elephants are likely to forage or drink. Restrict all movement near forest boundaries until the herd has moved away.
• Remain alert during early morning and late evening hours, when elephants are typically most active.
• Do not use firecrackers, loud noises, or spotlights to drive away wild elephants from forested areas; such disturbances cause panic and unpredictable behaviour.
• Store grains, salt, and fermented products securely inside houses or granaries, as the smell attracts elephants toward human habitation.
• Maintain outdoor lighting around homesteads to help detect elephant movement from a safe distance.
• Wild elephants cannot be forcibly driven away. They follow age-old migratory routes and will return to the forest once their temporary food source is exhausted.
• Villagers are encouraged to adopt the department’s demonstrated repellent measures, such as chilli rope fences, natural deterrents, and controlled noise techniques, strictly under departmental guidance.
• All reports, sightings, or requests for assistance must be coordinated only through the Village Council or its officially nominated representatives. Random calls and false alarms by unauthorized individuals create confusion, waste resources, and hamper timely departmental action.
• Residents are urged to avoid crowding or taking photographs of the herd, as this may disturb the animals.
• The public is reminded that elephants are a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and any attempt to harm or provoke them constitutes a punishable offence.
• The Division appeals for patience, calm, and community cooperation to ensure safety for both people and wildlife.
