Elephant study in Punjab

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cape india <capeindia1

Feb 13, 2009 6:04 AM

wandering Elephants of Punjab:A report Presented

to Hon.Minister,Wildlife:Tikshan sood

jeevdaya india <jeevdaya01, " Dr.Sandeep Kumar Jain " <

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*Wandering Elephants of Punjab*

 

* *

 

An investigation of population status, Management & welfare significance of

wandering elephants in Punjab was jointly conducted by CUPA(Compassionate

Unlimited plus Action),Banglore,ANCF(Asia Nature Conservation Foundation),

CAPE-India( Care of Animals & Protection of Environment) & World Society for

Protection of Animals(WSPA) for submission to Project Elephant(Govt. of

India) & Govt of Punjab.

 

The study was conducted by Dr Surendra Varma(ANCF),Suparna Ganguly and

S.R.Sujata (CUPA) & Dr.Sandeep K Jain (CAPE-India).According to the report the

Group of Elephants in captivity in Punjab is a unique sub-group of Captive

elephants that are commonly found in temples,Circuses,Zoos etc. It is

distinct because traditionally captive elephants were never a part of

popular culture in western India, unlike in southern or eastern India.

Captive Elephants and Mahaouts drifted into Punjab Area from Bihar and Uttar

Pardesh.They are unknown Group of animals in unlikely place in an unsuitable

environment. This study will hopefully help dispel some of the ignorance as

to actual keeping and husbandry of these animals, though similar in general

pattern of elephants used for begging & blessing, have some difference in

terms of Management and Usage.Mahaouts as individuals roam here and there

for Monetary or Commercial gains for their efforts.

 

There are seventeen (17) elephants in State (inclusive of 5 elephants in

Zoo),as per population Census of Project Elephant(Govt. of India). Ten

elephants in Possession of Seven Owners/Mahaouts (private Individuals) were

examined and the report assessed the status of their welfare in City of

Ludhiana,as to their physical,social and Health conditions alongwith issues

related to their management. The data was collected by observing various

parameters including captive situation & keepers'/Managers' interview. the

parameters were rated in scale 0-10,0 representing bad welfare conditions &

10 being satisfactory.

 

The elephants are, to a greater part, housed in a slum under a flyover in

Ludhiana. Hygiene is poor as dung and urine accumulate at their living site

and Overall rating for shelter is 1.3, reflecting total unsuitability for

housing the elephants. Municipal taps are used for water needs & no access

to perennial source of flowing water for bathing as in River or Lake. Water

is needed to maintain body temperature and proper Physiological functioning;

following food intake. This overall rating for this parameter is 1.4 being

less than five.

 

The elephants are made to walk upon Tarred Roads and rating for this

Parameter is 3.0.Feet of these animals are sensitive to hard surfaces and

they are made to walk from 20-60 Kms per day on roads .So walk parameter

related rating is 2.0.

 

These elephants wander in rural areas for alms and to participate in

Marriages, religious Functions and advertisement Campaigns .They work in

Peak summer months in soaring temperature of 46 degree Celsius and for 12

hrs a day, without water, food and Shade. Thus the work rating of related

parameter is 1.7 & 82% of scores getting a rate below 3.

 

The General Health of animals is an indicator of the status of their

welfare. Poor Health or frequent occurrence of Injuries is observed and are

associated with poor living conditions .The mean Health Score is 2.6 with

83% of occurring in range of 0-4.S

 

*Recommendations:* 1.Microchipping to give them identity and Legal status.

Any Elephant without Microchip may Be Confiscated & Owner be

prosecuted.(This has been done recently, Study was Conducted in July 2008).

 

2. The Department of Wildlife Preservation Punjab, Could be encouraged to

start an Elephant Park and Conservation Centre *(EPCC)* as Part of *Eco-Tourism

Project* in Tiger safari Ludhiana in Kadiyan Forest Range,Ludhiana. Ten

Elephants can be Leased from owners against a fixed monthly remuneration.

This will give the signal that Govt. is interested in welfare of elephants

and Mahaouts/Owners. This revenue generating and self sustaining exercise

will succeed in giving better living conditions to wild animals as well as

its owners etc. This will improve welfare of animals in natural surroundings

with basic needs like water, food, shade, Veterinary Care and interaction

with other elephants. One or More person/s from family of Owners/Mahaouts

may be given employment of handling elephants and maintaining park &

quarters to live in, as well as Insurance Cover for elephants and Mahaouts

/Owners. EPCC could be thrown open to Tourists against Ticket Money .People

will enjoy to see the elephants in their natural surroundings and

environment: feeding, playing, bathing, mud play, interacting etc.

 

 

 

3. Public Awareness to discourage the use of elephants on Roads for begging

Marriages, Processions etc.

 

The report has duly acknowledged the help provided by DFO Ludhiana, Mahavir

Singh, Dr.Bhajan Singh, and Vety.Officer of animal Husbandry deptt.

Ludhiana,Sanjiv Kumar and Parmanand Shukla (Hony.Animal Welfare

Officers)Members of CAPE-India, Owners of Elephants and Mahaouts & staff of

Wildlife Department in Conduct of Study.

 

 

 

 

Wandering Elephants of Punjab:A report

 

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for Care of Animals & Protection of Environment-India(CAPE-India)

 

 

 

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for Care of Animals & Protection of Environment-India(CAPE-India)