Kerala Government Orders Capture of Problem Tusker KM1 for Radio Collaring and Release

The Kerala government has authorised the capture of KM1, a wild tusker that has been repeatedly entering human settlements in the Aralam Farm region and nearby rehabilitation colonies. The operation will involve tranquilising the elephant, fitting it with a radio collar, and releasing it into its natural habitat away from human areas, Electricity, Environment and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sunny Joseph announced.

According to the Minister, the Chief Wildlife Warden granted permission under Section 11(1)(a) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, following reports of urgent need. The elephant has been causing extensive damage to property and crops, and has posed a threat to residents in the Aralam area.

The operation will adhere to all guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. After tranquilisation, KM1 will be fitted with a radio collar to enable continuous monitoring while ensuring minimal stress to the animal, the Minister said.

Forest department records indicate that KM1 has been regularly breaching protective barriers along the forest boundary to enter inhabited areas. The elephant has developed a pattern of damaging houses and agricultural crops without apparent provocation and has also attacked vehicles. Officials identify KM1 as the largest tusker in a herd that has been entering the Aralam region since 2008. The department confirmed that footprints found after a fatal elephant attack that killed a man named Aneesh at Aralam on February 26 matched those of KM1.

Under the government order, the Chief Conservator of Forest, Northern Circle, Kannur will supervise the operation, and the Kannur Assistant Conservator of Forest (DFO) will coordinate. The Chief Forest Veterinary Officer and the Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer, Kannur will also be part of the capture and monitoring team.