Earlier this week, life-size models of elephants made from Lantana camara, an invasive flowering plant that restricts the growth of indigenous vegetation, were displayed at Elliot beach in Chennai. This was done with the aim of raising awareness about wildlife conservation and coexistence.
The replicas of the elephants were made by members of the tribal communities who live near the elephant Mudumalai National ParkIn association with Shola Trust, a non-profit organization.
IAS officer Supriya Sahu, who is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, on Saturday shared a video about the models of these elephants. In the video on Twitter, Sahoo explains that these replicas were modeled after the real elephants living in the Mudumalai National Park.
Sharing the video, he wrote, “70 tribals of Mudumalai have worked hard to make these beautiful elephants from Lantana weed. In Tamil Nadu we have removed Lantana, Prosopis and other invasives from 1200 hectares so far in #TNForest.
Mudumalai’s 70 tribals have worked hard to create these beautiful elephants from lantana weed—an invasive species that has spread through forests across the country, threatening biodiversity. In Tamil Nadu we have removed Lantana, Prosopis and other invasives from 1200 hectares so far #TNForest pic.twitter.com/NEHcw7fETp
– Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) January 14, 2023
Commenting on his post, a Twitter user wrote, “This is a commendable effort! With the right intent and engagement with the community, we can solve many of our complex conservation challenges on the ground. Amazingly crafted elephants.” Let’s see. Thanks @supriyasahuias for sharing this”.
Another user wrote, “Excellent workmanship madam. It’s fabulous..its beauty must be preserved. These people are experts in the art of converting waste into wealth. Kudos to him”.