Pilibhit, October 18: Six wild elephants from Nepal, including a large tusker, have remained in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve and neighbouring villages for nearly two weeks, prompting closer monitoring ahead of the safari season scheduled to begin on November 1.
Herd Splits Into Two Groups
Forest officials said the herd has divided into two groups of three, moving through the Barahi and Mahof ranges. The elephants have damaged crops near Barahi and chain-link fencing, including near Mahof safari gate.
Seasonal Visitors Stay Longer
Elephants seasonally arrive from Nepal’s Shuklaphanta National Park through the Shuklaphanta–Lagga Bagga–Kishanpur corridor. Officials said they generally begin returning by mid-October, but this herd has stayed longer.
Unlike Dudhwa and Katarniaghat, Pilibhit does not have a resident wild elephant population, according to the report.
Safety Preparations Under Review
Divisional forest officer Manish Singh has sought guidance from senior officials. Staff plan continuous monitoring and appropriate tourist safeguards while allowing the elephants to return safely.
Officials are separately watching an adult tiger around Chuka, the reserve’s tourist accommodation area.
Source: The Times of India.
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