Elephants Poisoned and Electrocuted at Indian Wildlife Preserve

Since April, at least twenty Asian elephants have died at India’s Simlipal National Park. Fourteen were victims of poaching while six others died in a separate event after being electrocuted. Simlipal National Park, located in India’s Mayurbhani district, is predominantly known as a tiger reserve but is home to hundreds of other bird, mammal and reptile species.

Reports indicate the ivory poachers were traditional hunters, using poisoned arrows. They also poisoned salt lakes, killing other non-targeted species including cheetah and wild boar. Even more disturbing is how park staff members were involved in destroying the evidence — elephant remains were burned and buried. Four additional elephant deaths may also be linked to poaching, but have yet to be classified.

An investigative report addresses concerns of local tribal hunting groups entering the park and poaching for at least a year. More attacks on wildlife are feared; the park is severely understaffed and vulnerable to security breaches. Apparently the park staff is also more than willing to sell out the very animals they serve. As Stephanie Feldstein wrote in The War on Ivory, illegal trade is alive and well in India and Africa.

Six other elephants have recently been found dead by electrocution in Simlipal. These deaths are not due to poaching, but rather due to the negligence of man when it comes to power line safety.  An average of fifteen elephants have been electrocuted per year for the last ten years. Three additional elephants also died from electrocution two weeks ago in the Keonjhar district. A committee has been established to investigate these deaths and will report their findings and recommendations within a month.

It would be worth exploring the novel idea of using bees to keep elephants at a safe distance from power lines. Kenya Wildlife Services is contemplating the use of bee lines to protect crops from elephants, therefore reducing human-elephant conflicts. Bee lines consist of hives strung between poles eight to ten feet high. When elephants get close, their heavy steps disturb the bees, causing them to swarm around the hive. Scientists have found elephants steer clear of bees; the buzzing sounds are enough to keep them at bay and warn others. 

Something has to be done. The most recent census indicates close to three hundred elephants live within Simlipal National Park. This means that since April, eight percent of the elephant population has died a violent and needless death. Not to mention the other species poisoned along the way. While eight percent of one elephant population may not seem like a large amount, these animals can live up to sixty years in the wild. The reproductive rate of females is such that she will give birth once every four to five years.

The park officials covering up for poachers and the careless electrocutions just add to India's poor record when it comes to protecting their elephants. Almost a year ago, the Central Zoo Authority promised to release captive elephants from zoos and circuses into sanctuaries and safari parks. So far, nothing has happened.

With concerns about the future of Simlipal National Park and its elephants, it's time for India to keep its promise to the elephants by stepping up protection for those remaining in the wild and releasing the elephants still in captivity.

Photo by Quinet