Aaranyak Teaches BSF in Meghalaya How to Handle Wild Elephants
Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization, has conducted a special training program for Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stationed at the India-Bangladesh border in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya. The program aimed to educate BSF members on how to handle encounters with wild elephants while on duty.
Training Program Details
The training was held at the Khilapara Border Outpost and was attended by about 100 BSF personnel from the 100th and 22nd Battalions. The event was led by experts from Aaranyak’s Elephant Research and Conservation Division (ERCD) and the Meghalaya Forest Department.
Key Speakers and Topics
Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, head of ERCD, introduced Aaranyak and its conservation efforts. Hiten Baishya, Deputy Head of ERCD, discussed the distribution and ecological value of Asian elephants. Abhijit Baruah provided insights into elephant behavior to help BSF personnel avoid confrontations.
Importance of the Initiative
The program is part of Aaranyak’s ongoing efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflict and promote coexistence. The BSF officials expressed gratitude for the training, which helps them deal intelligently with wild elephant herds while respecting their cross-border movements.
Aaranyak continues to work with local communities, forest departments, and other stakeholders in Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley and Meghalaya’s Garo Hills to support elephant conservation.
Doubts Revealed
Aaranyak -: Aaranyak is an organization that works to protect nature and wildlife. They focus on conserving biodiversity, which means they help keep different kinds of plants and animals safe.
BSF -: BSF stands for Border Security Force. It is a group of people who protect India’s borders and keep the country safe from any threats.
Meghalaya -: Meghalaya is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its hills, rainforests, and beautiful landscapes.
Garo Hills -: Garo Hills is a region in Meghalaya. It is named after the Garo tribe who live there and is known for its rich wildlife and natural beauty.
elephant behavior and ecology -: Elephant behavior and ecology refer to how elephants act and live in their natural environment. This includes what they eat, how they move, and how they interact with other animals and humans.
human-elephant conflict -: Human-elephant conflict happens when elephants and people come into contact and cause problems for each other. This can include elephants damaging crops or property, and people harming elephants in return.
coexistence -: Coexistence means living together peacefully. In this context, it means finding ways for humans and elephants to live near each other without causing harm to one another.
