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Karnataka government forms elephant task force in four districts

Highlights

• The task force, headed by Deputy Conservator of Forests, will be set up in Hassan, Chikmagaluru, Mysuru and Kodagu districts, where the problem is more widespread.
• It will work under the instructions of the respective Chief Conservator of Forests of the circles

What are the focus area of the task force ?

• They are directed to patrol the jumbo-concentrated areas, monitor their movements in human habitation, agriculture fields and coffee estates, and drive them back into forests
• The members will be armed with walkie-talkies, guns and crackers that are necessary in the Each district elephant task force will be given three jeeps.
• They should also share information about the movement of wild elephants and create awareness among the people not to move in the forest areas.
• It has also been decided to set up a control room in the headquarters of every task force and that the phone number will be shared with the citizens.

Elephant population in Karnataka

• Nagarahole is home to the highest number of elephants in India.
• Karnataka tops the population followed by Assam and Kerala according to elephant census
• Bandipur National Park, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and B R Hills are few other safe havens of the state that houses Elephants in huge numbers.
• Elephants are counted once in five years under project elephant