Maharashtra: Elephants return to Tadoba more than 50 years later

Two male tuskers that migrated from Chhattisgarh into Maharashtra have now entered the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), marking the first sighting of wild elephants in the area in over 50 years. Wildlife experts have warned that any reckless behaviour by tourists or safari vehicles trying to get too close could lead to unfortunate incidents. A source from the Maharashtra Forest Department told mid-day that one of the tuskers, identified as ME3, was first spotted near a village close to the Saoli Range in Chandrapur district on Thursday. Both elephants were seen inside TATR on Friday.

Wildlife conservationist Sagnik Sengupta, co-founder of the NGO Stripes and Green Earth (SAGE) Foundation, told mid-day that ME3 was sighted in the Kolsa Range of TATR, near Pangadi Gate. “Since 2024, I’ve been tracking ME3. With his exploratory nature, he can travel into any area without warning,” Sengupta said. “Last year, he reached as far as Kagaznagar in Telangana. This time, he has entered the core area of Tadoba.”

According to Sengupta, ME3 entered Maharashtra on May 4 and has since been spotted at various locations, including inside Gadchiroli town. He noted that ME3 has been linked to seven human fatalities, though all were considered accidental and not deliberate attacks. “Even video footage shows that if not disturbed, he doesn’t cause harm,” he said.

Sengupta added, “Given the vegetation and water availability in Tadoba, the tusker may remain for a few days before returning to Gadchiroli or Chhattisgarh. However, since wild elephants are new to the TATR landscape, and with tourism activity high, any overenthusiastic approach by safari gypsies must be avoided. Monitoring and maintaining a safe distance is crucial.”

CME3, another tusker, was first spotted in Maharashtra in May 2022. Reports suggest it migrated from Gariyaband in Chhattisgarh but stayed only three days before returning. Estimated to be around 35 years old, CME3 is known for violent encounters with humans and was involved in the death of a farmer in Gariyaband on November 11, 2023. Sengupta, whose team monitors elephant movements in the region, has recommended long-term mitigation strategies, including continuous monitoring, bio-fencing, and an early warning system. While the larger herd poses little threat, CME3’s solitary and unpredictable behaviour has raised concerns about future human-wildlife conflicts.