In a first-of-its-kind conservation move, Andhra Pradesh has officially launched ‘Operation Kumki’, deploying trained elephants to combat the rising human-elephant conflict across its forest-border districts. This bold and humane step marks a turning point in wildlife management in southern India.
Why Kumki Elephants?
Kumki elephants are specially trained tuskers used to manage and guide wild elephants. Originating from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka forest traditions, Kumkis are skilled in calming aggressive herds and steering them away from human settlements—without harm.
Regions Affected
The worst-hit areas in Andhra include:
Chittoor
Tirupati
Srikakulam
Vizianagaram
Parvathipuram Manyam
These zones have seen repeated elephant incursions, leading to crop destruction, property damage, and at times, tragic loss of life.
Inter-State Cooperation with Karnataka
In May 2025, Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Forest Department. The deal brought six trained Kumki elephants to Andhra, with four—Krishna, Abhimanyu, Deva, and Ranjan—already deployed.
These elephants hail from:
Dubare Elephant Camp
Sakrebailu Elephant Camp
How Operation Kumki Works
Trained Kumkis are led by skilled mahouts who:
Track wild herds near villages and farmland
Use behavioral cues and scent trails to divert them
Ensure zero contact conflict management
In the first successful deployment, Kumki elephants helped divert a 14-member wild herd back into the forest near Palamaner in Chittoor district.
New Infrastructure at Gucchimi
To support this mission, a ₹5 crore elephant holding camp is being constructed in Gucchimi village. This center includes:
Solar fencing and trenches
Mahout quarters
Veterinary care
Training grounds for new Kumkis
Humane and Eco-Sensitive Solution
Unlike traditional loud crackers or electric fencing, Kumki deployment is non-invasive and rooted in behavioral science. It builds long-term peaceful cohabitation between humans and wildlife, respecting the ecology of elephants.
Final Thoughts
Operation Kumki isn’t just a wildlife solution—it’s a symbol of empathy, inter-state collaboration, and sustainable forest management. As Andhra leads the way, other states battling similar conflicts may soon follow suit with Kumki-based strategies.
FAQs
Q1: What is a Kumki elephant?
A Kumki elephant is a trained male elephant used to guide and control wild elephants without physical confrontation.
Q2: Why did Andhra Pradesh launch Operation Kumki?
To reduce human-elephant conflict, especially in districts prone to crop raids and accidental deaths caused by wild elephant herds.
Q3: How many Kumkis have been deployed?
Four have been deployed so far: Krishna, Abhimanyu, Deva, and Ranjan. Two more are expected to arrive.
Q4: What makes Kumki operations effective?
Kumkis use scent, body language, and calm behavior to steer wild elephants away—minimizing stress for both animals and humans.
Q5: Is this the first time Kumkis are used in Andhra?
Yes, this marks Andhra Pradesh’s first deployment of Kumki elephants under official forest department operations.
Published on : 5th August
Published by : SMITA
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