Itanagar: In a landmark development for wildlife conservation, Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh has documented the first sighting of an adult male elephant in over a decade.
This rare and significant moment was captured on January 13, 2025, by a strategically positioned camera trap, underlining the park’s persistent efforts to preserve its rich biodiversity.
The 2022 Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) report previously noted the absence of elephants in the park, attributing their decline to hunting by local tribes and a potential market for elephants in neighboring regions.
While elephants have occasionally been observed passing through the park during the monsoon, the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather have made consistent monitoring a daunting task.
The sighting was made possible by the dedicated work of a conservation team led by V.K. Jawal, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Namdapha National Park, alongside Biri Karba, Range Forest Officer of the Namdapha Wildlife Range and Research Wing.
Their efforts resulted in capturing the image of the elusive elephant, providing crucial insights into its movement patterns and the importance of the park as a migratory corridor.
In response to the discovery, park authorities have intensified patrols in vulnerable core boundary areas, particularly around the Kathan region in the northwest, to safeguard this critical habitat.
The sighting represents a significant step forward in understanding and conserving the park’s ecosystem while reinforcing the importance of ongoing conservation measures in protecting its diverse wildlife.