Why in the news?
The Kerala Forest Department is attempting to capture the wild elephant Muttikomban in Vadakkanad, Wayanad district, with plans to confine it in a kraal at Muthanga and convert it into a Kumki elephant, triggering scientific, legal and conservation concerns.
Why Is Muttikomban Being Targeted?
• Repeated crop damage in farms and plantations
• Frequent movement into settlements
• Recent death of farmer Rajeev
• Locals suspect Muttikomban responsible
However
• No scientific evidence linking elephant to death
• No camera trap or forensic confirmation
• No record of previous human killing
What Is a Kraal?
• Wooden enclosure used to confine wild elephants
• Used during taming and training process
• Step before conversion into Kumki elephant
What Is a Kumki Elephant?
• Trained captive elephant
• Used to control wild elephants
• Used during capture operations
• Used in forest management
Why Are Experts Opposing Capture?
Legal Concerns
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972
• Capture allowed only as Last Resort
• Requires Verified Threat Evidence
• Experts say Legal criteria not met
Ethical Concerns
• Stress during tranquilisation
• Captivity of wild elephant
• Possible Violation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
| [2022] With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 1 Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2 When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3 Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only |
