The wildlife division of Baleswar is in a tizzy after a missing injured tusker was found in a critical state on Wednesday. The department is seriously considering the option of using tranquilizer for administrating him the required treatment for healing of its wounds.
However, an expert team, including one from Assam, arrived on Thursday for giving advice to the local unit pertaining to its treatment.
Honorary wildlife warden Jayant Mardaraj Harichandan said, “The wounds, about a month’s old, of the tusker have aggravated. It is seriously ill and is able to move with a lot of difficulties.”
“The Forest Department should think of using tranquilizer for his treatment,” he said.
The jumbo, member of a Jharkhand migrated pachyderm herd, was seen about a month ago with injury marks near its abdomen and front right leg. Since then, it was missing in the dense forest of Kuldhia and Nilgiri.
The department said the tusker, which is about 25 years’ old, bore arrow inflicted injuries.
“The condition of the wounds deteriorated after pus formation. It is struggling with pain due to the ailments. We are keeping a close watch on him while it is near Risia dam within the sanctuary,” said Kuldhia range officer Rabindra Mohapatra.
Meanwhile, DFO Harsh Bardhan Udgata said a mobile veterinary unit stationed in Baripada was called in for the treatment of the ailing tusker.
“Before using tranquilizer as the last option, we have to obtain permission from the principal chief conservator of forests. However, efforts are on to capture the tusker and keep it for some days under treatment,” he said.