Raipur: Data collected through the ‘Hathi Alert’ app, developed to monitor elephant movement and feeding behaviour, has revealed new insights into the food preferences of elephants in Chhattisgarh forests. Analysis of feeding patterns recorded through the application identified the vegetation species most commonly consumed by the animals, providing valuable scientific inputs for wildlife management and conservation planning.
According to the findings, elephants most frequently consumed “other vegetation”, which accounted for 1,175 recorded feeding instances. Among identified plant species, tendu — particularly its roots and leaves — emerged as one of the most preferred food sources, with 430 recorded instances of consumption.
Contrary to the popular belief that elephants are especially attracted to mahua, the data showed a significantly higher preference for bamboo shoots and sal vegetation. Bamboo shoots were consumed 329 times, while sal roots and leaves were recorded 323 times, compared to 180 instances involving mahua.
The data also documented several other food sources regularly consumed by elephants across forested areas. Mode/Moyan bark and roots were consumed 287 times, while different grass varieties, including Shukla, Dobe and Bhond, accounted for 267 feeding instances.
Similarly, Bhevla roots and leaves were consumed 214 times, followed by chhind roots at 205 instances. Other vegetation forming part of the elephants’ diet included Senha/Lendia, recorded 129 times, and leaves of the mahul creeper, which were consumed on 125 occasions.
The findings suggest that elephants maintain a highly diverse diet and adapt their feeding habits according to the availability of forest vegetation. Forest department officials and wildlife experts believe the data can help in better habitat management, planning of elephant corridors, and ensuring adequate food availability in areas frequently used by elephant herds.
Officials said the Hathi Alert app not only assists in tracking elephant movement and issuing alerts to villagers to minimise human-elephant conflict and damage to life and property, but also serves as an important scientific tool for studying elephant behaviour and ecological patterns in the wild.
