The Animal and Nature Ethics Community Trust (ANEC) has appealed to senior forest officials to halt unauthorized excavation and construction in the Periya‑Pakranthalam corridor, citing rising human‑elephant conflict and habitat fragmentation in north Kerala.

Key Takeaways

  • Unauthorized digging and construction continue in the corridor
  • Effective width of the passage is shrinking, risking blockage
  • Human‑elephant clashes and crop damage are expected to rise

The Animal and Nature Ethics Community Trust (ANEC Trust) has submitted a formal representation to senior officials of Kerala’s forest department, urging immediate protection of the Periya‑Pakranthalam elephant corridor. This stretch forms a crucial link in the Wayanad Elephant Reserve, enabling seasonal migration, genetic exchange, and reducing encounters with human settlements.

Founder T.S. Santosh warned, “The Periya‑Pakranthalam corridor is a vital landscape connectivity; any obstruction will inevitably increase human‑elephant conflict in surrounding areas.” He highlighted ongoing large‑scale excavation, earth removal, and the erection of a mobile‑communication tower by a private landowner, activities that could permanently alter the terrain.

Historical Background: The Wayanad Elephant Reserve, one of India’s largest elephant habitats, contains several critical corridors. The Supreme Court has previously mandated protection for the Segur Plateau corridor, stating that no construction is permissible within functional wildlife routes. This legal precedent underscores the mandatory protection of the Periya‑Pakranthalam passage.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that degradation of this corridor could trigger cascading effects on biodiversity, tourism revenue, agriculture, and human safety across the region.

“Narrowing an elephant corridor directly amplifies crop loss and human‑elephant incidents,” says wildlife biologist Dr. Anil Kumar.
Did You Know?: The Wayanad Reserve hosts not only six major corridors but also a network of twelve smaller pathways that facilitate elephant movement across varied habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What construction activities are currently underway in the Periya‑Pakranthalam corridor?

A: Private owners are conducting large‑scale earth removal, installing a mobile tower, and expanding the Mananthavady‑Kuttiyadi road, all pending legal verification.

Q2: What actions has the forest department taken so far?

A: The department has registered a case under the Kerala Promotion of Tree Growth in Non‑Forest Areas Act and initiated action against unauthorized tree felling.