What happened to Kerala's 'Rice-loving' wild tusker? Tamil Nadu forest officials with new report

RAJAKUMARI: The rogue tusker Arikomban, now under surveillance of the Tamil Nadu forest department has embraced a new diet order. As per reports, the pachyderm has given up its fixation on rice-related foods. Tamil Nadu forest department informed that the tusker is in tranquil mode, unlike its earlier shenanigans.

After killing seven people and destroying more than 60 houses and shops, Arikomban was deported from Chinnakanal in Idukki to Mundanthurai in Tamil Nadu on April 29, 2023. Arikomban was first captured from Chinnakanal and transferred to Periyar Tiger Reserve. From there, the tusker was taken to Tirunelveli Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary.

According to forest officers, the tusker is now happy consuming leaves and grass. Since 2005, more than 180 buildings including houses, ration shops and cardamom stores were destroyed by the tusker. Almost 30 people were attacked by Arikomban in Idukki.

With houses getting attacked turning normal, people hit the streets with protests forcing the government to take serious measures. According to the demand of animal lovers, the High Court intervened, conducted a study and gave permission to wildlife officials to shoot tranquillizer darts at the elephant.