Arikomban comes within range; signals obtained from radio collar, is presently on Kerala-TN border

IDUKKI: The signals from the radio collar fitted on Arikomban’s neck started to emit signals again. The signal was last received in Mavadi, a border area of Kerala-Tamil Nadu, at 2 pm yesterday. After that started receiving the signal again from this morning. Arikomban is presently located in Mullakudi near the Tamil Nadu border.

There was concern on whether Arikomban had landed in the residential area when no signal was obtained from the radio collar. Arikomban was released in the inner forest of Periyar last Sunday. It is reported that the rogue tusker travelled about 20 kilometres in three days. The forest department said the health condition of Arikomban is presently satisfactory.

The eastern part of Idukki was receiving heavy rains since yesterday evening. It is reviewed that this may be the reason for losing the signal. Even if Arikomban enters the inner forests, the signal may be lost. The forest department started searching in two teams after the signal was lost.