KOZHIKODE: The forest regions here are witnessing a substantial flow of migratory animals including Asiatic elephants from other drought-prone zones of the neighbouring states. Experts say elephants are the most disturbed with the extreme heat as they have no sweat glands. Though the fire resistant activities are in full swing in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary close to Karnataka, the forest officials are happy that this year the situation is a bit relaxed due to summer rains.
Most of the forest ranges of WWS received 4 to 14mm spots of rain last week bringing down the possibility of wildfires. Fodder and water are available in all marshy stretches across the sanctuary. Wayanad Wildlife Warden N.T, Sajan said the seasonal animal migration has started by early February as the water and fodder availability of sources across the border diminished. Usually, their movement begins by the middle of December as the rivers and rivulets in arid forest regions of Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu would start drying up. But this year it started only recently,” he told DC.
Meanwhile, the forest department clamped a two-month ban on tourism activities from February 15 in the forest regions to ensure peace for the disturbed animals. The possibility of wildfire is another element that forced them to keep away tourists. “We expect copious summer rains by the mid of April 15 and if the situation warrants we would extend the ban,” Mr Sajan said.
