2 tuskers captured on cam in Simbalbara park
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has captured images of two elephants in Simbalbara National Park of Paonta Sahib forest division and its adjoining forest areas using strategically placed trap cameras. This occurrence has prompted authorities to issue alerts to nearby villages to prevent potential human-elephant conflicts.
The trap cameras, installed along the Himachal-Haryana border in Sirmaur district, are part of an ongoing wildlife monitoring initiative aimed at tracking the movements of tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. These cameras play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both wildlife and local communities.
The recent sightings have reignited concerns, especially in light of past incidents. Over the past three years, two fatalities have been reported due to elephant attacks in Himachal Pradesh’s Paonta Sahib subdivision.
April 2023: An elderly woman lost her life in an elephant attack in the Kolar area of Nahan.
March 2024: A 45-year-old shepherd, Tapendra, was fatally attacked by an elephant near Paniwala Khala in the Majra Range. These incidents highlight the increasing presence of elephants in the region, believed to be migrating from neighbouring Uttarakhand.
In response to these growing concerns, the Forest Department has intensified monitoring efforts. Four trap cameras were installed in Simbalbara National Park and surrounding dense forests to track wildlife movements, particularly during nighttime. These cameras have previously captured significant wildlife activity:
February 12 & 19, 2023: A tiger was recorded on the cameras, marking its presence in the region. Forest officials later confirmed its presence by analyzing footprints. February 24, 2025: The latest footage from the cameras confirmed the presence of two elephants in the Satiwala Beat of the Majra Range. The images showed the elephants moving through the area late at night.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Paonta Sahib, Aishwarya Raj, confirmed the elephant sightings and stated that necessary precautions are being taken.
