Preparations to capture KM-1 (Kannur Makhna-1), the wild elephant that has been repeatedly straying into Aralam farm and rehabilitation area, have gained momentum, with the kraal for housing the animal nearing completion.

Kannur Divisional Forest Officer K. Saji said the Forest department expects to bring kumki elephants from the Muthanga elephant camp in Wayanad within the next two days. Four kumkis have been sought, though three are expected to be deployed for the operation.

Three veterinarians with expertise in tranquillising elephants are also expected to join the operation, Mr. Saji said.

KM-1 is currently inside the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. The department is monitoring its movement and will decide when and where to launch the operation based on the elephant’s location. Officials are also cautious about stationing the kumkis too early, as their presence in the sanctuary could alert the animal and cause it to move deeper into the forest.

Once KM-1 is tranquillised at a location accessible to vehicles, the plan is to use the kumkis to guide the animal towards the kraal. The elephant will then have to be transported to the kraal before the effect of the tranquiliser wears off.

Mr. Saji said no fixed location has yet been identified for tranquillising the animal. The main requirement is that the location should be accessible to vehicles so that the sedated elephant can be moved safely.

The operation is expected to begin within the next two to three days, subject to the elephant’s movements and the completion of the remaining arrangements. The kraal is being built to provide sufficient space for the elephant to stand and turn safely after its capture. The department is also completing other arrangements required for moving and securing the animal.

KM-1 has been a recurring source of human-wildlife conflict in and around Aralam farm. The Forest department had earlier deployed drones and surveillance cameras to track the elephant after it moved back into the sanctuary.

The latest operation is being planned around the animal’s movement, with officials seeking to avoid disturbing it until it enters an area where tranquilisation and subsequent movement to the kraal can be carried out safely.