2026-03-10

KOTTAYAM – Residents and wildlife in the Erumeli Forest Range are set to experience a safer, more harmonious coexistence following a strategic technology injection by the Deaprtment of Forests & Wildlife, Erumeli Range, Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) and EPI-USE as part of Elephant Rhino People Initiative. This initiative is designed to drastically reduce response times during wildlife emergencies and provide the Kerala Forest Department with real-time intelligence to prevent Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) before it escalates.

The project, titled "Technology for Coexistence," directly addresses the logistical challenges of forest monitoring and emergency mitigation:

• Zero-Delay Intervention: With the handover of four off-road motorcycles, the Forest Department’s Rapid Response Teams (RRT) can now penetrate difficult, roadless terrains instantly to rescue snakes or drive back straying elephants.
• Early Warning Intelligence: A new network of 12 motion-sensor camera traps creates a digital perimeter, allowing officials to track elephant movement patterns and alert nearby communities of potential sightings in real-time.
• Scientific Conflict Management: The addition of high-resolution digital optical equipment enables the precise identification of individual elephants, helping the department document "problem" animals and study their behavior for long-term safety strategies.

A Landmark Collaboration

At a ceremony held on March 10, 2026, at the TIES Campus, the impact of this partnership was solidified. Sri. D K Vinod Kumar IFS (CCF, High Range Circle) inaugurated the event, emphasizing how these tools empower field staff. The equipment was officially received by Sri. Praful Agarwal IFS (DFO, Kottayam), who noted that such localized technological support is vital for the success of the Kerala Forest Department’s operations.

Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director of TIES, narrated the scope of the project and the urgent need for technological escalation in conservation. Other key speakers included Dr. Abraham Samuel K. (President, TIES), Dr. Nelson P. Abraham (Vice President, TIES), Harilal K. (RFO, Nagarampara Range), Dileef B. (RFO, Erumeli Range), Lakshmi C. S (People Operations Manager, EPI-USE), and Anoop (Technical Lead, EPI-USE).

This project is fully supported by EPI-USE and the Elephants, Rhinos & People (ERP) initiative, marking a deep commitment to protecting both wildlife and local livelihoods.