Chennai, December 8, 2025: In a move aimed at improving wildlife management practices, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced the formation of an expert committee to draft a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for elephant translocation. The initiative comes in the wake of recent incidents in which two translocated wild elephants died shortly after their release, raising serious concerns about existing protocols.

According to the state government, while the precise causes of death are still under investigation, the incidents underscore the urgent need for a science-based, systematic review of procedures related to the capture, handling, translocation, release, and post-release monitoring of wild animals, particularly elephants.

“The recent unfortunate events highlight the necessity of a thorough review of existing elephant translocation protocols. It is imperative to formulate clear, implementable procedures to ensure the safety and welfare of these majestic animals during such operations,” said Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Tamil Nadu government, Environment, Climate Change, and Forest Department.

Composition of the Committee

The state-level expert committee has been constituted under the leadership of A. Udhayan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Director of the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation, Chennai, who will serve as chairperson.

Other members of the committee include:

• Anurag Mishra, PCCF and Special Secretary, Environment, Climate Change, and Forest Department
• N. Vengatesh Prabhu, District Forest Officer, The Nilgiris
• Dr. K. Kalaivanan, Forest Veterinary Officer, Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve
• Dr. Rajesh, Forest Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
• N. Baskaran, Assistant Professor, A.V.C. College, Mayiladuthurai

The committee is empowered to co-opt additional domain experts as needed, including behavioral ecologists, GIS specialists, and representatives from relevant institutions, to ensure a multidisciplinary and scientifically robust approach.

Mandate and Terms of Reference

The committee has been tasked with assessing and reviewing recent elephant translocation incidents, particularly the fatalities, to understand gaps in current practices. It will also evaluate existing protocols and identify areas for improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Formulating a detailed, implementable SOP for the capture, translocation, and release of wild animals, with special emphasis on elephants.
• Ensuring the SOP incorporates best practices, scientific monitoring, and welfare considerations to reduce risks associated with translocation.
• Drafting procedures suitable for post-release monitoring and long-term animal welfare management.
• Producing recommendations and a model SOP that could potentially serve as a national standard for elephant translocation across India.

The committee is expected to submit its report and draft SOP within two months of its constitution.

Background and Rationale

Elephant translocation has become an increasingly common practice in India due to escalating human-elephant conflicts, habitat fragmentation, and the need to maintain ecological balance. However, translocation is a complex process that carries significant risks to the animals involved, including stress, injuries, or even death if not carefully planned and executed.

Recent deaths of translocated elephants in Tamil Nadu have highlighted the limitations of current protocols and the urgent need for a structured, evidence-based framework. Experts emphasize that successful translocation requires meticulous planning, veterinary oversight, behavioral assessment, and careful monitoring post-release.

By constituting this expert committee, the Tamil Nadu government aims to standardize the translocation process, reduce mortality risks, and ensure that elephants are safely and effectively relocated to suitable habitats. The initiative also seeks to create a benchmark SOP that can be adopted nationwide, reflecting India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and scientific management of its elephant populations.

The move has been welcomed by conservationists and wildlife experts, who hope the committee’s recommendations will strengthen the safety and welfare of translocated elephants and provide a model for other states dealing with similar challenges.