The Kerala Government on Wednesday decided to set up a 500-member Special Reserve Force to strengthen efforts to prevent wild elephant attacks and reduce human-wildlife conflict in vulnerable areas across the State.
The decision was announced by Forest Minister Shibu Baby John amid growing concerns over the impact of wild elephant incursions on people’s lives, particularly in forest-fringe villages. At least six people have been killed in wild elephant attacks across the State over the past two weeks.
According to the minister, the force will consist of 100 units with five members each and will be deployed in hotspots where the presence of wild elephants is frequently reported.
The Special Reserve Force will include members of tribal communities familiar with wildlife habitats, retired forest department experts, experienced residents and people with technical expertise. The units will be stationed across the State.
“The force is being formed to avoid risks arising from wildlife and to make human-wildlife conflict mitigation more effective,” the minister said.