Date:27/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/27/stories/2008022750490200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Want to venture into the wild on a tusker’s back?

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Riding on an elephant’s back in search of the elusive tiger in the jungles of Karnataka could soon become a reality. The Forest Department plans to use tamed elephants for wildlife safaris in tourism zones of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests A.K. Verma told presspersons here on Tuesday that the department had around 200 tamed elephants in different forests, which could be used for tourism as well as patrolling.

On a trial basis, the elephants would be used for tourism activity at the Bhadra Wildlife Reserve, in association with Jungle Lodges and Resorts, while they would be deployed for patrolling purposes at Sakrebayalu in Shimoga and Kodagu districts.

At present, Nagarahole and Bandipur National Parks are host to a good number of tamed elephants, and many take part in the Dasara “Jamboo Savari.” Sakrebayalu and Dubare in Kodagu are other elephant camps run by the department.

Somehow Karnataka has not used elephants for wildlife safaris. It has always depended on vehicles,” Mr. Verma said.

The Forest Department will also study the impact of using elephants for safaris and elicit the response of tourists.