Viral Clip Reveals Plastic in Elephant Dung in Karnataka's Shola Forests

A viral video showing plastic waste embedded in elephant dung in the Shola forests of the Brahmagiri hills has reignited concerns over the spread of pollution into remote wildlife habitats. The footage, shared on social media, highlights how human waste is increasingly finding its way into protected forest ecosystems, posing risks to both animals and the environment.

The video was posted on Instagram by nature enthusiast Ishan Shanavas, who documented what appeared to be plastic material—suspected to be part of a milk packet—mixed with elephant dung. In the clip, Shanavas describes the sight as “disturbing” and “alarming”, noting that such findings indicate elephants may be ingesting plastic waste that has travelled deep into forested areas.

Shanavas stressed that the presence of plastic in such a remote location underscores the scale of human impact on natural habitats. In his accompanying caption, he said the incident was a reminder of how pollution has spread far beyond urban spaces, forcing wildlife to cope with the consequences of irresponsible human behaviour. He urged people to dispose of waste responsibly to ensure that forest ecosystems remain clean and undisturbed.

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The video quickly gained traction online, amassing more than 72,000 views and prompting widespread discussion. Many users expressed concern over India’s growing plastic waste problem, with several commenting that similar instances had been observed near other forested and rural regions. Some users also pointed to the broader issue of microplastics, warning that plastic contamination is increasingly being detected across ecosystems and living organisms.

Environmental experts have long cautioned that plastic waste poses a serious threat to wildlife, particularly large mammals like elephants that forage over wide areas. Ingesting plastic can lead to internal injuries, digestive blockages, and long-term health complications. Even indirect exposure, such as through contaminated food sources, can have cumulative effects on animal health.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger waste management practices, better enforcement against littering, and increased public awareness around plastic pollution. Conservationists argue that protecting wildlife habitats requires not only forest conservation measures but also responsible behaviour far beyond forest boundaries, as pollution often travels unseen into the wild.

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