What is the major cause of elephant deaths in Tamil Nadu

Electrocution has been identified as the major cause of elephant deaths in Tamil Nadu. Here are the key points explaining this issue:

• Human-Elephant conflict: The rapid urbanization and encroachment of elephant habitats have led to an increase in human-elephant conflict in Tamil Nadu.
• Live wire exposure: Elephants often come into contact with electric fences, illegally installed to protect crops or settlements.
• Accidental contact: Elephants, while searching for food or water, may accidentally touch exposed power cables or sagging transmission lines.
• Lack of coordination: The lack of coordination between forest departments and electricity boards in identifying vulnerable areas and taking preventive measures has exacerbated the problem.
• Poor maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance of power infrastructure, including insulators and poles, increases the risk of electrocution for elephants.
• Illegal connections: Unauthorized tapping of electricity by farmers and poachers also contribute to the presence of exposed live wires in elephant habitats.
• Awareness and education: The importance of creating awareness among local communities, farmers, and electricity consumers to prevent elephant electrocution cannot be underestimated.

Efforts to mitigate this issue through stricter enforcement of regulations, routine maintenance, and education can help safeguard the elephants in Tamil Nadu's fragile ecosystems.