Guwahati, Jan 27: In a historic breakthrough for wildlife conservation, Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh has recorded its first sighting of an adult male elephant in 12 years. Captured on January 13, 2025, by a strategically placed camera trap, this momentous discovery brings renewed focus to the park’s efforts to protect its rich biodiversity.

The 2022 Management Effectiveness Evaluation Report (MEE) of the Namdapha Tiger Reserve reported no presence of elephants.

“The presence of elephants of late has not been reported from within NTR. “It is apprehended that probably the elephant population has adversely been impacted by hunting by tribes which might have found a ready market in the neighbouring countries,” the 2022 report said.

Elephants occasionally traverse the park during monsoon months, following traditional migratory routes. However, the challenging terrain and weather conditions often restrict access, complicating conservation monitoring efforts. Despite these obstacles, a team led by V. K. Jawal, Chief Conservator of Forests & Field Director of Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve, and Biri Karba, Range Forest Officer of Namdapha Wildlife Range and Research Wing, successfully documented this rare sighting.

The photograph of the male elephant offers critical insights into the species’ movement patterns and underscores the need for sustained conservation efforts. The park authorities are intensifying patrols in vulnerable core boundary areas like the Kathan region in the park’s northwest to safeguard the animals’ movement through this vital corridor.

Challenges in Preserving Traditional Elephant Corridors

Namdapha’s elephant corridor historically stretched from Namsai to Myanmar, traversing key areas like Boga Pahad, Bulbulia, and Embeyong. However, extensive encroachment in the Embeyong area since 1996, particularly near the 38th and 52nd mile markers, has disrupted this natural migration route. As a result, elephants have become confined to the northern sections of the park, occasionally venturing into human settlements in Miao Circle’s Khachang and Songking villages. This encroachment has heightened human-wildlife conflict, causing significant economic losses to local communities.

A Call for Community Action

The recent sighting serves as a crucial reminder of the need to reopen traditional elephant corridors, ensuring safe passage for the species while reducing human-wildlife conflict. Namdapha’s authorities are calling for collaborative efforts between local communities and conservation teams to restore these vital pathways and secure the future of elephants in the region.

By bolstering monitoring systems, strengthening wildlife corridors, and fostering community partnerships, Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve can continue to protect its extraordinary biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can witness the wonders of its thriving wildlife.

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