Heavy rain-weakened hill soil left the 10-year-old female elephant critically wounded, as forest officials and veterinarians moved to assess her condition.
A wild Asian elephant was seriously injured after a landslide caused it to fall into a ravine in Teknaf, in Bangladesh’s southeastern Cox’s Bazar district, officials said Saturday.
The incident took place around 12:30pm on Saturday, July 11, in the Shiailagona area of Uthanti Hill in Teknaf upazila.
According to local residents and the Forest Department, the full-grown elephant was found injured in the Uthanti Hill area after a landslide around midday. The matter was later reported to the local Forest Department.
Forest officials and the Teknaf livestock officer went to the scene after receiving the information and confirmed the incident.
Md Monirul Islam, assistant conservator of forests for Teknaf-Ukhiya under the Cox’s Bazar Forest Department, told The Climate Watch: “Heavy rain softened the soil on the hill, triggering a landslide. While coming down from the hill, the elephant fell on a slope after the soil collapsed and was injured. The Asian elephant is an approximately 10-year-old female.”
“No herd of elephants was seen near the injured animal. Due to excessive rain, it is believed that the elephant may have come close to the locality in search of food,” he said.
“The elephant is still alive. However, it has serious injuries. Two parts of its abdomen have ruptured and one of its hind legs has been badly injured. Details about its physical condition and further treatment will be known after the necessary examinations,” Monirul said.
He said the Teknaf upazila livestock officer had reached the scene to treat the elephant. A wildlife veterinarian from Dulahazara Safari Park was also being brought to the site.
“The doctors will examine the elephant and take the next steps,” he said.
Monirul said it had not yet been confirmed whether the injured elephant was part of a herd. Elephants sometimes become separated from herds living in hilly areas and move close to local settlements.
“Continuous rain has created landslide risks in Teknaf’s hilly areas. Necessary measures are being taken for the treatment and safety of the injured elephant,” he said.
