Correspondent
WOKHA, OCT 7 (NPN): Wokha forest division has recorded what it described as Nagaland’s first thermal-drone imagery of wild elephants, capturing a herd of around 8-10 elephants, including a calf, in the forest adjoining Seluku village.
The department said the use of thermal-drone technology would strengthen its ability to monitor wild elephants at night and under forest cover.
The herd was detected on the night of October 5 after the department received information about elephants near agricultural fields. The operation was led by range forest officer Lansothung Lotha. Speaking to Nagaland Post, DFO Wokha Suman WM Sivachar said the herd was currently stationed in the forested area adjoining Seluku because of the availability of food and was likely to remain there as long as the food source was available.
He said the department was monitoring the herd’s movement in coordination with the wildlife team and local community. The department’s team was not currently stationed at the site, but monitoring was continuing. Sivachar added that the range forest officer was currently the only licensed drone pilot in the team authorised to operate the thermal drone.
The forest division has alerted Seluku village authorities and the Koio village council about the presence of the elephants. The estimated herd size was based on thermal scanning and field observations.
It said the drone was flown at a safe height to avoid disturbing the animals. The department said thermal drones act as a supplementary tool for locating elephants at night and in poor visibility, to support early warning and rapid response.
Sivachar said no injuries or property damage had been reported at the time of the department’s interaction with the village authorities. He said the wildlife team would continue monitoring the situation and take necessary measures depending on the movement of the herd.
Residents have been advised not to approach, chase or provoke the elephants and to avoid entering agricultural fields alone during dusk and night. Sightings may be reported to the wildlife control room at 1800-2020-878 or the nearest forest office.