Elephant movements near human settlements increase in Chittoor as monsoon delays

Forest officials in Andhra Pradesh are monitoring heightened elephant activity along the Koundinya wildlife sanctuary and the Rayala elephant corridor, as the delay in the southwest monsoon drives the animals closer to villages, farms, and highways. The region, which typically receives monsoon showers in early June, is experiencing a prolonged dry spell that has reduced water availability in forest interiors.

The Koundinya landscape spans the Kuppam and Palamaner divisions of Chittoor district and extends into Tirupati and Annamayya districts through the Rayala corridor. The area usually benefits from sporadic summer rains in May that help sustain natural water sources until the monsoon sets in fully. However, subdued rainfall this season has led to shrinking seasonal streams and waterholes, prompting elephants to venture near human habitations in search of water.

Officials have confirmed frequent elephant sightings in the Chittoor, Kuppam, and Palamaner ranges in recent weeks. A herd of 13 elephants, including a solitary tusker known to periodically separate from the group, crossed over from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and remained in the area for several days. The herd began retreating on the night of June 16, but officials caution that it could return at any time. In a separate incident, a lone elephant drew the attention of motorists on the Bengaluru National Highway at the Moghili ghat section near Bangarupalem for several hours on Tuesday.

Most wild elephants in the Koundinya sanctuary belt trace their movements to the Mordhana dam in Gudiyattam, Tamil Nadu, one of their principal habitats. While the dam still holds adequate water, large stretches of the Palar riverbed along the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border have turned dry, affecting elephant movement patterns and pushing the animals toward water bodies on forest fringes and near farmland.

Forest Range Officer (Chittoor) M. Pattabhi stated that, despite the dry spell, there is no evidence of acute food or water scarcity for elephants within the Koundinya sanctuary at present. “Elephants are mainly attracted to mango orchards, banana plantations, and paddy fields. We are continuously monitoring herd movements. Once the monsoon activity improves, the increased human-elephant encounters across the border areas will subside,” he said.

Elephant trackers note that the greater visibility of the animals is linked to the drying up of water sources deep inside the forest. The situation is under constant watch, and forest personnel are working to minimise negative interactions between humans and elephants.