Male Elephant Returns to Namdapha After 12 Years, Sparking Conservation Hope

Namdapha National Park Overview

Male Elephant Returns to Namdapha After 12 Years, Sparking Conservation Hope: Namdapha National Park is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh and spans a vast area of 1,985 square kilometres. Recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, it was declared a National Park and Tiger Reserve in 1983. The park is known for housing over 1,000 plant species and nearly 1,400 animal species, including tigers, red pandas, and clouded leopards. It also includes the northernmost lowland evergreen rainforests in the world, adding to its global ecological importance.

Recent Elephant Sighting

On January 13, 2025, a camera trap recorded an adult male elephant in the Kathan region of Namdapha, marking the first sighting in 12 years. The last confirmed sighting dates back to 2013. This rare event was reported by Field Director V.K. Jawal, who highlighted its significance in studying elephant movement patterns and the urgency of deploying frequent patrols in vulnerable areas.

Historical Context of Elephant Migration

Traditionally, elephants in Arunachal Pradesh migrated between Namsai and Myanmar, with Namdapha serving as a vital corridor. However, since 1996, widespread encroachments have blocked crucial migratory routes, especially in the 52nd Mile area. These obstructions have confined elephants to northern parts of the park, disrupting natural behavior and heightening the risk of human-wildlife conflict.

Rising Human-Elephant Conflict

As elephant movement is restricted, communities in fringe areas have faced increased crop damage and property loss, leading to growing human-elephant conflict. The Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department has appealed to local villagers to cooperate with conservation authorities in managing and mitigating these conflicts through joint monitoring and early warning systems.

Rich Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Namdapha is not just significant for elephants—it is one of India’s richest biodiversity zones. The park’s elevation varies from 200 to 4,571 metres, supporting tropical evergreen forests, temperate broadleaf forests, and alpine vegetation. This diverse altitude gradient allows a broad spectrum of plant and animal life to thrive, including endangered species that are rarely found elsewhere.

Conservation Efforts and Future Directions

The recent elephant sighting has re-energized calls for active conservation measures. Experts and forest officials are advocating for the restoration of traditional elephant corridors, which are crucial for safe animal migration. The declaration of Namdapha as an Eco-Sensitive Zone in 2024 further underscores its environmental importance. Moving forward, the emphasis lies on community engagement, scientific monitoring, and stricter anti-encroachment actions to preserve this critical habitat.

Static GK Snapshot

Male Elephant Returns to Namdapha After 12 Years, Sparking Conservation Hope: