JHAPA: A large herd of elephants that had reached the Ratuwamai forest area in Jhapa has partially returned to Morang, the Division Forest Office said.
According to Office Chief Bharat Babu Shrestha, a herd of up to 30 elephants, including several calves, had moved from Morang on Sunday and reached the Ratuwamai plantation forest near the East–West Highway in Shivasatakshi Municipality while heading back toward India.
“Of them, around 15 elephants have already returned to Morang,” Shrestha said. “We are continuously monitoring the situation. The herd that entered Ratuwamai has now scattered—some moved back to Morang while others remain confused in Jhapa.”
The elephants had travelled east from the Kanepokhari forest of Sundarharaicha, Morang, and were expected to move toward Bahundangi Gauda before crossing into West Bengal, India. The herd usually rests in nearby forests during the day and moves only at night. On Monday, however, they remained inside the Ratuwamai and Hamsedumse community forests of Shivasatakshi and Damak.
Two years ago, a massive herd of 50–60 elephants had entered Nepal through Bahundangi’s Prasad Gauda. About 30 of them returned to India after roaming Nepal for more than a month and a half, while others remained in the forests of Morang and Sunsari.
Following reports of the herd’s movement toward Jhapa, the Division Forest Office and local municipalities activated heightened security measures to prevent human and property loss. Patrol teams were deployed and public warnings issued through loudspeakers.
Wild elephants regularly move between Assam (India) and Nepal’s Koshi Tappu region, with pregnant elephants often entering Nepal to safely raise their calves before returning. Shrestha urged the public to remain cautious until the remaining elephants cross back into India.
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