Patrolling on elephant back in Panna National Park

Panna, MP, Sep 6 (UNI) Forest officials carried out patrolling on elephant backs in interior regions of the Panna National Park during rain season.

Forest security guards were unable to reach interior regions on vehicles during rainy season because of rivers and rivulets. Under such circumstances, patrolling was carried out on elephant backs.

On spotting a tiger, the 'mahout' riding on the elephant informed the control room on wireless.

Besides, pachyderms had been trained to keep a watch on poachers, wood thieves and other encroachers.

Mahout Budhram Yadav Surre said patrolling was carried out on elephant backs when the park remained closed for four months during rainy season to monitor intrusion into forest area.

A team of five tuskers departs from elephant camp located at Mandala and Hinauta range of the park every morning at 0500 hrs for patrolling.

Vatsala, an above 90-year-old female tusker, is the oldest member of the group. She is a centre of tourist attraction during other seasons.

Park's veterinarian S K Gupta said a life-sketch of Vatsala was being prepared following which its name would enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

Vindhya, the youngest member of the group, is receiving training at present. Vatsala helps Vindhya to learn its skills.

UNI