The elephants are currently undergoing training at the Dudhwa National Park to learn how to sniff out poachers and those who illegally cut forest trees. Forest guards are also being trained to manage the elephants.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), B K Patnaik said: “Forest guards and rangers find it difficult to move in the tough terrain of jungles. No matter how many jeeps or motorcycles are used, bumpy paths always create problems. Since an elephant is the most effective mode of transport in forests, it can be used to check illegal activities in jungles.”

These animals will keep a watch on the poaching of animals like tigers and hence they will be an integral part of the tiger protection project, he added.

After a fortnight’s training, these elephants and the guards will be spread across the entire reserves.

Besides carrying the forest guards, these elephants will also manage any elephant, which strays into the forests from Nepal. Many elephants are reported to stray into the forest reserves along the Nepal bordering districts in Behraich and Lakhimpur Kheri.