A tense incident from Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand caught the attention of social media last week, as a tiger chased an elephant for three days in a row, which eventually led to the jumbo’s death.
The incident, which took place on December 22, has sparked debates about the relationship between tiger and elephant and the natural power of predators in the wild.
In the morning of December 22, the park authorities found the dead body of a male elephant, estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old, in the Bijrani area of ​​the park.
According to Saket Badola, Director of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, the elephant was alone, leaving the herd as is common for males of its age. It was reported that it had endured a long chase by a tiger, which led to extreme exhaustion and death.
A viral video, widely shared online, captured the scene of an elephant running away from a tiger under the cover of darkness. The relentless pursuit has drawn mixed reactions, with some portraying the tiger as the predator and the elephant as the prey.
IS THIS BEHAVIOR UNUSUAL?
Experts suggest that although this incident was rare, it was not unprecedented. Tigers, known to eat small animals, often target elephants – although such cases are rare.
Saket Badola noted that tigers may take advantage of opportunities to hunt elephants, especially calves or children. However, attacking a full-grown elephant is rare because of the great effort required.
Bilal Habib, senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, suggested that the elephant, which died in the December 22 incident, may have been weakened by disease or injury, making it a vulnerable target.
“As reported in this case, the elephant was not a calf but may have been a weak person. This incident is a hunting act that cannot be affected by fatigue due to stress, short sleep or fear,” said Habib.
Dr Sandeep Tiwari, Head of Conservation at the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), added, “Legers rarely chase older elephants, especially those found in Corbett. This seems to be an unusual case. Tigers generally avoid conflict with elephants. , as older elephants tend to chase them away more effectively”.
TIGER-ELEPHANT MEETING IN THE WILD
Jim Corbett National Park, home to over 200 tigers and 1,000 wild elephants, is a unique place where these two species often share the same habitat. However, direct conflict is rare.
“Normally, tigers avoid adult elephants. When confronted, the tiger usually retreats,” said Dr Tiwari. He explained that tigers are fast, but elephants are very strong, often chasing away their prey.
DID THE FOREST DEPARTMENT COME IN?
The viral video has raised questions about the role of the forest department in such situations. However, wildlife experts insist that these events are part of the natural process.
“Predation is a natural phenomenon that maintains the natural balance. Intervening in such situations may disrupt the functioning of the ecosystem,” said Habib.
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