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Elephant Spotted in Namdapha National Park After 12 Years

The recent sighting of an adult male elephant in Namdapha National Park after a 12-year absence has reignited discussions on wildlife conservation and habitat protection. This landmark event, recorded on January 13, 2025, not only underscores the resilience of the park’s ecosystem but also highlights the pressing need for conservation efforts to restore elephant corridors and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

Namdapha National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot

Located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, Namdapha National Park spans an impressive 1,985 square kilometers. Established in 1983, it is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, home to:

  • Over 1,000 plant species
  • Approximately 1,400 animal species
  • The northernmost lowland evergreen rainforests in the world

With an elevation ranging from 200 to 4,571 meters, the park supports diverse ecosystems, from tropical evergreen forests to temperate broadleaf forests. This rich ecological landscape makes Namdapha a crucial conservation zone in the Eastern Himalayas.

The Rare Elephant Sighting: A Conservation Milestone

The sighting of the adult male elephant was captured by a camera trap in the Kathan region of the park. The last recorded presence of elephants in Namdapha dates back to 2013, making this event a significant ecological milestone.

Field Director V.K. Jawal emphasized the scientific importance of this sighting, noting that it provides valuable insights into elephant movement patterns and reinforces the need for enhanced patrolling in vulnerable areas.

Historical Context: Elephant Migration in Arunachal Pradesh

Historically, elephants in Arunachal Pradesh migrated between the Namsai region and Myanmar. However, these migration routes have been severely affected by human encroachment since 1996.

One of the most impacted areas is the 52nd Mile region, which once served as a critical elephant crossing point. Due to habitat fragmentation, elephants have become restricted to northern Namdapha, leading to an increase in human-elephant conflicts in the surrounding areas.

Rising Human-Elephant Conflict: A Growing Concern

As human settlements expand into elephant corridors, incidents of crop damage and property destruction have become more frequent. Villagers residing in fringe areas of the park face significant economic losses due to elephant raids on farmlands.

To address these challenges, the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department has urged local communities to collaborate with conservation authorities. Efforts to establish community-based mitigation strategies, including early-warning systems and alternative farming methods, are being actively explored.

The Road Ahead: Conservation Efforts and Challenges

The recent elephant sighting has reinforced the urgency of restoring traditional migration corridors. Conservationists stress the need for:

  1. Habitat Restoration – Protecting and reopening traditional elephant corridors to facilitate free movement.
  2. Community Involvement – Engaging local populations in conservation initiatives to reduce conflicts.
  3. Stronger Anti-Poaching Measures – Increased patrolling and surveillance to safeguard elephants from threats.
  4. Eco-Sensitive Zoning – Namdapha National Park was officially declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone in 2024, a move that underscores its ecological significance and the need for stringent protection measures.

Summing Up

The return of an elephant to Namdapha National Park after 12 years serves as both a symbol of hope and a call to action. While the sighting indicates that the park still holds potential for supporting large mammals, it also highlights the urgent need for conservation measures to restore lost corridors and balance human-wildlife coexistence. Through sustained efforts, Namdapha can once again become a thriving habitat for elephants and other endangered species.

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