Establishment of New Mahout Village
Second Mahout Village at Anamalai Tiger Reserve: A new Mahout Village has been created at the Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), Tamil Nadu. This residential colony has been designed to accommodate 47 mahouts and cavadies, ensuring better housing and welfare facilities. The initiative underlines the importance of improving the lives of elephant caretakers while continuing conservation practices.
Purpose of Mahout Villages
These villages are built exclusively for elephant handlers and their assistants. By offering proper housing, sanitation, and community infrastructure, they improve living standards while protecting the traditional skills of mahouts. This model strengthens both social welfare and conservation.
Earlier Model in Mudumalai
The first dedicated settlement for mahouts was launched in May 2025 at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Its successful implementation encouraged the extension of this concept to the Anamalai region.
Static GK fact: The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is home to rich biodiversity, including the Asian elephant and Bengal tiger.
Significance of Kozhikamuthi Camp
The Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp has a long history of housing trained elephants. These animals assist the forest department in anti-poaching patrols, rescue operations, and in guiding wild elephants when needed. The camp is one of the most well-known elephant care centres in southern India.
Static GK fact: The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, also known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, is spread over 950 sq km and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Western Ghats.
Tribal Contribution
The Malasar tribal community has traditionally served as mahouts and cavadies in this region. Their knowledge of elephant behaviour is passed down generations. Providing them permanent housing ensures livelihood stability, cultural recognition, and improved social security.
Static GK fact: The Malasars are a Scheduled Tribe in Tamil Nadu and are primarily concentrated around the Anamalai hills.
Future Prospects
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department plans to expand such villages across other reserves. By institutionalizing welfare measures, the government aims to strengthen the bond between conservation activities and the communities that make them possible. The initiative also has potential to promote eco-tourism centered on elephant culture.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Second Mahout Village at Anamalai Tiger Reserve:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location of second Mahout Village | Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp, Anamalai Tiger Reserve |
| Number of mahouts and cavadies accommodated | 47 |
| Community involved | Malasar tribe |
| Purpose of Mahout Villages | Residential colonies for elephant handlers |
| First Mahout Village | Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve |
| Year of first Mahout Village inauguration | May 2025 |
| Alternate name of Anamalai Tiger Reserve | Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Size of ATR | Over 950 sq km |
| UNESCO status of ATR | Part of Western Ghats World Heritage Site |
| Oldest elephant camp in Tamil Nadu | Theppakadu Elephant Camp |
