Thiruvananthapuram, June 10 -- The Kerala government has decided to constitute a 500-member Special Reserve Force to address the growing threat posed by wild elephants and to strengthen measures aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflicts across the state.
Forest Minister Shibu Baby John has directed the immediate formation of the force in response to increasing incidents of wild elephant intrusions that have been disrupting the lives of people living near forest fringes.
The Special Reserve Force will comprise 100 units, each consisting of five members, and will be deployed in identified hotspots where the presence of wild elephants is frequently reported.
The force will draw its members from tribal communities familiar with wildlife hab...