When you are in the deep dense forests and you want to see Bhunte and his relatives, you need to pay attention to some of the evidence. If in a distant forest, you hear a ‘breaking of branches‘- you got to be alert- he must be around. If on the ground you stand, you see the tiny circular impressions (footprints) along with the big ones– you should follow them–well, be safe. Well, if you see the round balls of steaming dung piles (of green, brown and grey colours), Bhunte must have defecated a few minutes or hours back…And of course, if you hear his trumpet or vibrating rumbles or shouts- he is around, and so will be his families. And if the grasses are crushed and the branches on the trails, Bhunte will be around. And if you sight him and his family, respect their space and temperament. Do not shout or hurl things at them. Do not litter their homes with plastics. Avoid using the flashes of your camera- it disturbs them. Just respect them and observe their serene bond…4-001

*This story and art got featured in the Kids Jumbori Japan, Tokyo, 2018.

ぞうさん、どこにいるの？
森
もり
の中
なか
では、直接
ちょくせつ
ゾウをみることはむずかしい。
でも、森
もり
の中
なか
の跡
あと
を 見
み
ることでわかることがある。
「バキバキッ」 木
き
の 枝
えだ
が 折
お
れる音
おと
、 折
お
れた木
き
の 枝
えだ
、 地面
じめん
の 足跡
あしあと
新
あたら
しいうんち、ゾウに踏
ふ
まれた草
くさ
の跡
あと
、 鳴き声
なきごえ
…
・・・

こういうものから、「ゾウがここを通
とお
ったな」とか「ゾウが近
ちか
く に
いるぞ！」 ということが分かるんだ。

 

(Kids Jumbori Japan Team: Moe Yanagi and Nachiketha SR, Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University)