The Coimbatore Forest Division has launched a toll free number to check man-animal conflict. First of its kind, the number was launched during the World Elephant Day celebrations at Forest College on Saturday.

Villagers can call 180042545456 when wild animals, particularly elephants, stray into residential areas or agricultural fields located near the forest areas, said N. Satheesh, District Forest Officer, Coimbatore Forest Division.

“People can call this number and to inform the movement of wild animals. Forest staff, who will be available all through day and night, will pass on the information to the forest range officials. This will help them to reach the spot at the earliest and drive the animals back into the forests,” Satheesh said.

“The members of the programme will be volunteers, who will assist the Forest Department officials to chase away wild animals from the villages or fields,” he said and added that a rapid response team would act in case of man-animal conflict.