Elephant herd sighted near Hovishe: Dimapur Wildlife Division issues advisory

Residents urged to stay alert and avoid confrontation

DIMAPUR — The office of the Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Division Dimapur, has issued an advisory following the confirmed sighting of a herd of wild elephants, including a calf, in and around Hovishe and neighbouring villages in Niuland district.

Authorities have cautioned residents to remain vigilant and avoid any form of confrontation with the animals.

According to the advisory, the herd is believed to have moved to the periphery of cultivated lands in search of food and water—a seasonal occurrence resulting from temporary depletion of forest forage.

Residents have been urged not to chase, harass, or use loud noises and firecrackers to drive away the elephants, as such actions could trigger aggression and cause harm to both people and property.

The Wildlife Division advised villagers to avoid entering forested areas, elephant corridors, and nearby streams during late hours.

Movement near forest boundaries has also been discouraged until the herd moves back to its natural habitat.

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“Wild elephants cannot be forcibly driven away. They follow age-old migratory routes and will return to the forest once their temporary food source is exhausted.

“Villagers are encouraged to adopt the department’s demonstrated repellent measures, such as chilli rope fences, natural deterrents, and controlled noise techniques, strictly under departmental guidance,” it stated.

People have been urged to maintain outdoor lighting for visibility, store food grains securely, and coordinate all communication through the village council to prevent confusion and false alarms.

“Residents are urged to avoid crowding or taking photographs of the herd, as this may disturb the animals,” it added.

The advisory reminded the public that elephants are a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and any attempt to harm or provoke them constitutes a punishable offence.

The Division appealed for calm and community cooperation to ensure safety for both humans and wildlife during the herd’s temporary presence.

“With responsible behaviour and collective vigilance, the current situation can be managed peacefully until the herd returns to its natural habitat,” the advisory stated.