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Tags need to be improved: Vet
View(s):The dead elephant who was tagged with a GPS collar was referred to a veterinary surgeon when the beast came in search of food at a garbage site in Wellawaya.
An elephant wearing a decaying GPS collar
Udawalawe Veterinary Surgeon Vijitha Perera says the method of tagging elephants with GPS collars has its advantages as well as disadvantages, as the tag could harm the beast if not removed within a prescribed period.
While roaming in the forests, the tag on the elephant could get entangled and disort the messages. The surgeon suggested that manufacturers of the GPS collars should take into account this aspect and make necessary changes if possible.
He emphasised that the tagging of elephants has proved to be the most practical way to control the elephants who are constantly on the move.
The elephants in Udawalawe are released into the jungle with this device, some others were released to the Lunugamvehera Natural Reserve.
One of these elephants has been taken to a private residence in Horana with the approval of the Department of Wildlife.
Veterinary Surgeon Vijitha Perera said some elephants had been killed by ivory hunters and some had fallen into waterholes while moving from one area to another.
The GPS radio communicatation system helps to track a beast in trouble, he said, adding that the method needs to be improved.