Human-wildlife conflict cases on the rise in Idukki; tusker ‘Padayappa’ destroys vehicle

As the summer heat intensifies, human-animal conflict is on the rise across Idukki district. On Sunday night, a popular wild tusker locally called “Padayappa” destroyed an autorickshaw in Munnar, while another wild elephant reached the doorstep of a home in Thottappura, near Peerumade.

According to residents, Kadalar Estate resident Karuppa Swami was driving his autorickshaw home from Munnar when he accidentally encountered the tusker near the West Division. As the elephant charged, the driver jumped from the vehicle and fled to safety. The tusker destroyed the vehicle. Residents allege that the elephant has been targeting vehicles for several days.

Munnar Range Officer S. Biju stated that the tusker is currently in musth and is travelling long distances under the cover of night.

“The tusker is exhibiting violent behaviour. Last year, it showed similar aggression during its musth period,” Mr. Biju said. “The Forest department has advised residents and tourists to maintain a safe distance from the animal.”

The officer added that the autorickshaw driver’s encounter on Sunday night was accidental. The Forest department’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) is currently monitoring the tusker’s movements.

“The tusker is presently moving between three different herds in various locations. Some days it stays with a six-member herd at Chokkanad, while other times it is seen with a four-member herd in Thenmala or a nine-member herd in Kadalar,” the official explained.

Despite the seasonal heat, Mr. Biju noted that there is currently no water scarcity for wildlife in Munnar. “The streams and ponds in Munnar remain full. We suspect the animal’s violence is purely due to its musth cycle,” he said.

The Forest department is issuing timely warnings regarding the tusker’s movements; however, the elephant’s tendency to travel suddenly at night has made it difficult to track. On Saturday night, Padayappa also attacked a car at Ettammile on the Munnar-Marayur interstate route. Two passengers narrowly escaped that encounter.

In a separate incident on Sunday night, a wild tusker reached the front of a house in the Kovilakam area of Thottappura, near Peerumade, within the Erumeli forest range. Residents noticed the presence of the tusker around 8.00 p.m. and successfully chased it back into the nearby forest.