NILGIRIS: After trying out several methods, officials of Gudalur forest division have started using the dung of kumkis, especially of animals that are in musth, to keep wild elephants from entering human habitations and farmlands in Cherampadi and Pandalur.
Sources said dung of kumkis collected from Theppakkadu camp is sprayed and burnt wherever tuskers and other elephants come out of the forest and get close to human habitations.
Forest department officials believe the pungent smell of dung and smoke would keep the wild elephants from coming near human habitations. Further, they have advised residents of two localities to hang a paste of chilli and neem oil at the entrance of houses to keep the animals away.
“The local people can hang a cloth bundle of chilli and neem oil paste in front of windows and doors. There is a high chance for elephants to smell the pungent odour from a distance and not proceed further towards human habitations. We are tying such bundles in the forest fringes. The residents can also try this. They should cooperate with us,” said a senior official of the Gudalur division.
“We are employing this method as per the instructions of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) A. Naganathan, who is inspecting conflict prone areas. Also, we are using drone cameras to monitor wild animals that are coming out of the forest areas,” the official added.