Tusker ‘Kajuru Karna
Credit: DH photo
Madikeri: With infected injuries and gunshots wounds all over his body, tusker ‘Kajuru Karna’ at Dubare elephant camp is the prime example of causalities caused due to elephant-human conflict.
Karna, nicknamed as ‘Kajuru Karna’ was captured in Kajur in Somwarpet taluk last month. He was found with two gunshots wounds.
The 50-year-old tusker a suffered a severe gunshot wound on both of his hind legs. One of his legs even developed a severe infection.
Though two bullets were removed from his leg. Due to the intensity of pain, Kajuru Karna is not able to lie down and has been standing since.
One of the caretakers said that Karna was too tired and wanted to get some sleep but couldn’t lie down. He tries to lean on the wall to catch up on his rest.
Dubare camp’s veterinarian Dr Chittiyappa said that many wounds have been found on the body of the elephant. Currently, he is recovering.
Three elephants including Karna are confined to kraals. There are a total of 32 elephants in Dubare elephant camp.
Each of them requires 350 kg of food every day. However, there has been an acute shortage of green fodder in the forest due to hot weather.
Dr Chittiyappa said that shooting wild elephants or intimidating them in any way would only provoke them to people. If they are not bothered, they will feed on necessary food and move forward without causing any harm. He has requested not to harm elephants.
Madikeri Deputy Conservator of Forests Bhaskar said that Kajuru Karna was in a pitiable condition when captured. Now, his condition has improved.