Arikomban, the wild tusker who had terrorised Chinnakanal and Shanthanpara regions of Idukki for over a decade, has now found a new home at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The tusker was released in the Medakanam section of Periyar, closer to the Tamil Nadu border. The ritual was performed by the Forest Department on entering the gates leading to Mangala Devi Temple at Thekkady. Arikomban was fitted with a GPS collar and it took five shots to tranquilise him. Despite a curfew in place, locals gathered to catch a glimpse of him. Kerala’s Minister for Forests & Wildlife, AK Saseendran stated that officials will monitor the tusker until he is familiar with the new surroundings. Medakanam is the largest range in Periyar East Division and comprises major streams, grasslands, deciduous forest and evergreen forest, besides few bamboo brakes, according to a Kerala Forest Research Institute report.
