Shivamogga: A high-stakes, three-day wildlife operation culminated successfully Wednesday evening with the capture of a 35-year-old wild tusker at the foothills of Rangenabetta, near Ganduganahankalu in Channagiri, bordering Davangere district. Weighing over an impressive 6,000 kg, the giant tusker is being safely translocated to Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.The operation, which was launched two days ago following severe crop damage and panic among local farming communities, faced intense challenges. For two days, the elephant managed to evade capture by retreating into the steep, heavily wooded terrain of the Channagiri Hills, moving only under the cover of darkness. However, tireless tracking by forest officials, ground teams and support camp elephants finally pinned down the tusker’s location on the third day.The breakthrough of the mission relied heavily on the expert field calculations of Dr Muruli Manohar from the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp. A week prior, Dr Murali analysed the elephant’s dung and footprints, estimating its weight to be roughly 6,000 kg. This incredibly precise estimation allowed the team to prepare the exact, safe dosage of tranquilliser needed for an animal of this size.Working alongside veteran wildlife veterinarian Dr Mujeeb ur Rehman of the Kodagu Circle, Dr Murali successfully darted the elephant as it descended the foothills. The massive animal was safely secured without any injuries and loaded onto a specialised transportation truck, bringing immense relief to the local villagers.
