Asian Elephant Estimation Exercise - Takeaways from an amazing experience!

I recently participated as a volunteer in the Synchronised Asian Elephant Estimation exercise organized by the Forest Department in Karnataka.  I attended the initial training in Bannerghatta National Park and was later assigned to Koppa Forest Division.

This was a 4-day exercise.  Along with the Forest Field staff –Officers, Watchers, and Guard - I trekked into the thick, verdant forest in the Antavalli Beat of the Balehonnur Forest Range in search of wild elephants.  We had to take count of the elephant dung and also record the demographic profile of the elephants we sighted. 

As a first-time volunteer, I was excited to be a part of this adventure. But despite our best efforts, even though we saw plenty of elephant activity and witnessed its presence and movements, we were unable to spot a single elephant.  As it had rained, the possibility of spotting it near water-holes and river banks also vanished.   Also as our Beat formed the elephant corridor – elephants only passed through the area to reach their final destination – chances of spotting them were minimal.

But despite all the reasoning, I was utterly disappointed.  I cursed that there was no such thing as Beginner’s luck and felt completely let down.  But then, after some good amount of thinking, I realized Lady Luck was definitely on my side.  I looked at all the positives that had emerged from the experience and felt a deep sense of gratitude.

Inside Antavalli Beat, Balehonnur Forest Range

• My adventure in the forest – the long, arduous treks,  the dangerous rambles following the path of the elephant’s trail, the protection and concern showed by the Forest staff, the sights and sounds we experienced, the leech bites - every bit of it is memorable and definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Not everyone can gain access to the protected forest areas and saunter through the thick of the jungle.

•  I met some very interesting fellow volunteers and made good friends on the trip – another major positive outcome.

River Bhadra, flowing right beside the Forest Guest House

With the friendly Forest team - Ajay, Ginjanna, Yellanna, Abhilash, Arif Pasha

• I got a greater insight into the workings of the Forest Department, especially their Field staff.  They are some remarkable people whose love and passion for Forest conservation and wildlife protection is admirable.  Their job is extremely tough, to say the least – they have no set hours of work; quite often, they have to venture into the wild and navigate through tough terrain to put out forest fires or go after poachers, putting their life and limb in danger. 

• I interacted with the simple folks of Magundi village – their sincere warmth and friendly hospitality is something to be admired and emulated; a learning to be cherished for life

The 120-year old Forest Guest House in Magund

• I sighted some wonderful birds - pied wagtail, robins, sun birds, woodpeckers, horn bills, peacocks and many more - and breathed in the fresh, crisp, non-polluted air of the forests.  I saw the River Bhadra in full flow, stayed in a beautiful Forest Guest house.  I woke up every day to the varied chirping sounds of our feathered friends.  

Yellanna striking a pose inside the forest

• I met humble village folks like Yellanna, who knew every inch of the forest and accompanied us on the trek.  He and his wife lived in a small, simple house in the fringes of the forest.  His clothes and appearance (broken teeth, callused hands) made him look like a poor tribal but I found that he was extremely rich - rich in warmth, rich in caring and rich in hospitality.  He invited us with open arms to his home and fed us royally.

After ascending 1150m, view from the top

• And finally, I realized that not having a mis-adventure was in itself, the greatest blessing.  An elephant in the wild can be dangerous especially if it feels threatened by our presence.   I am back home, hale and hearty, to share this experience, and that is something to be thankful for! 

This opportunity was a great learning experience; it also gave me immense satisfaction of volunteering my time and services towards a good cause.  It feels extremely good that I have, in some way, done my bit for the protection and betterment of wild elephants! 

Rock formation in River Bhadra

The vividly coloured Dung beetle