Elephant Management Practices among the Malasar Tribe of the Anamalai Hills

Description

Page: 192-198

K.P. Naachimuthu¹, P. Panbu Selvan², K. Malaisamy³, and D. Karunagaran⁴ (Department of Psychology (Govt. Aided), PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu¹, Department of Visual Communication and Electronic Media, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu², and Field Investigators, ICSSR Research Project^3,4)

The present research explores the elephant management practices of the Malasar tribe in the Anamalai Hills of Tamil Nadu, focusing on their relationship with elephants and the transmission of this knowledge across generations. The primary objective of the study is to document the tribe’s unique methods of managing elephants, including their behavioral insights, spiritual significance, and practical techniques, and to understand the challenges they face in maintaining these practices in the face of modernization and external pressures. The research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions. Data were collected from key informants, including elders, younger tribe members, and community leaders across four settlements in the Anamalai Hills: Kozhikamuthi, Navamalai, Naagaroothu, and Sarkarpathi. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and themes in the data. Key findings reveal that the Malasar tribe possesses an intricate understanding of elephant behavior, based on sensory tracking, non-coercive methods, and spiritual reverence. The tribe’s knowledge is deeply embedded in cultural rituals, songs, and folklore, reflecting their longstanding bond with elephants. However, modernization, poaching, and the increasing commercialization of elephants for tourism pose significant challenges to the continuity of traditional elephant management practices. Despite these challenges, the Malasar tribe has been successfully integrated into conservation efforts, which have led to reduced human-elephant conflicts and provided alternative income opportunities through eco-tourism.