What are the potential consequences of coal mining on elephants in Odisha according to a WII study?

According to a study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), coal mining in Odisha poses significant threats to elephants. The key findings are:

• Habitat Fragmentation: Mining leads to fragmentation of elephant habitats, disrupting their traditional migratory routes.
• Loss of Forest Cover: Large-scale deforestation for mining reduces available fodder and shelter for elephants.
• Increased Human-Elephant Conflict: Displacement forces elephants into human settlements, escalating conflicts and casualties on both sides.
• Obstruction of Corridors: Mining blocks critical elephant corridors, hindering their movement between habitats.
• Disturbance from Mining Activities: Noise, pollution, and human presence disturb elephant populations, affecting their health and behavior.

The WII study highlights the urgent need for conservation measures and strict regulation of mining activities to safeguard Odisha’s elephant populations.