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Elephants Scale New Heights Amid Habitat Crisis
22 Jun
Summary
- Elephants are increasingly seen in higher altitudes, a concerning shift from usual habitats.
- Habitat degradation, invasive species, and climate change are pushing elephants to new areas.
- Historical elephant routes in the Nilgiris were disrupted by British-era road construction.
Recent elephant appearances in Ooty's upper plateau, an area not typical for their regular movement, are concerning wildlife experts. This marks the fourth or fifth such sighting in recent months, a notable deviation from elephants usually preferring lower elevations with ample food and water.
Experts point to significant habitat degradation, exacerbated by invasive species and climate change. Rising global temperatures contribute to desertification, shrinking natural habitats and compelling elephants to seek higher ground. Increased wildfires and a potential rise in elephant population also push them to explore new territories.
Historically, elephants have utilized these hills, with evidence suggesting their ancient migratory routes were even used by British engineers for road construction. Routes from Mettupalayam to Kunjapanai and the Kalhatty Road were once part of these elephant paths.
However, the current situation is viewed as a potentially unnatural expansion of their ecosystem. While elephants have always been mobile, the frequency and altitude of recent sightings, like those in Arunachal Pradesh at 3,400m, are unprecedented. Increased crop cultivation near forests also contributes to human-elephant conflict.
