Kochi : Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) will provide specialised training to govt veterinarians in wild elephant behaviour amid rising human-elephant conflicts in the state’s high ranges.
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Animal husbandry also submitted to us a proposal for training in this regard,” a KSDMA official said. A senior veterinary doctor experienced in wildlife care said the absence of comprehensive training was a major shortcoming as the forest department faced mounting conflicts. The doctor said wildlife was not studied as a discipline in India, making training necessary to upgrade veterinarians’ skills and strengthen the department’s veterinary wing.
They are not exposed to wildlife care. Download the TOI App.
Training will be conducted for two batches, with govt permitting KSDMA to spend Rs 4.75 lakh. The programme will help veterinarians understand elephant behaviour, health and responses, enabling them to handle conflict situations effectively in fragmented forests and fringe areas. It follows the declaration of human-wildlife conflict as a state-specific disaster. Theoretical and practical sessions will cover elephant healthcare, behaviour and management, handling violent animals and crises, use of tranquillisers and rescue equipment, relevant legal provisions and inter-departmental coordination during disaster response. Participants will be deputed from animal husbandry at the forest department’s request. Veterinarians deputed from animal husbandry currently learn about wildlife behaviour and related issues through field experience while assisting senior veterinary doctors. “Our veterinary doctors are familiar with the treatment and handling of domesticated cattle, dogs and cats only.