Media reports of increasing instances of elephants being relocated after man-animal conflict often use language that needs a check. Examples of words and phrases such as “killer elephant”, “snuffed out the life of three persons”, “terrorised residents”, “wreaked terror”, “killing spree”, “struck again”, “chased by elephant and killed” give the impression that these elephants are on some premeditated conspiracy to kill people. With increasing development, there is untold pressure on traditional animal corridors. Because of their sheer size and behavioural biology, elephants require large habitats which till a few decades ago were forested areas. They are among the most affected species now and increasingly being painted the “villains” wherever man-animal interface occurs. Of course when human casualties occur, we need to focus on and address the issue, and come up with management interventions. One hopes that the language used in the media is the language of “science” and not of “fiction”.
Anu P. James,
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
