Why in the News?

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Forest department signed an MoU to deploy Kumki Elephants. The MoU aims to control wild elephants, train mohuts and organize elephant camps.

About Kumki Elephant

• “Kumki” comes from the Persian word “kumak,” which means “aid.”
• These elephants are domesticated, trained Asian elephants.
• They help in patrolling and rescue operations.
• They would help in minimizing conflicts and safeguard both human and wildlife interest.
• Asian Elephant Protection Status
  • IUCN Red Data List: Endangered
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I

About IUCN

• Full Form: International Union for Conservation of Nature
• Established: 5^th October 1948
• Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland
• No.of Members:1400
• IUCN Red Data List / Red Data Book was founded in 1964.
• It divides species into nine categories: Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild and Extinct.