New Elephant Census Reveals Population Trends and Habitat Fragmentation Challenges
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) released the 'Status of Elephants in India' report, estimating the population at 22,446 across four major landscapes. While this is lower than the 2017 figure of 29,964, experts note that the new DNA-based SAIEE methodology provides a more accurate baseline for future monitoring. The Western Ghats landscape remains the most critical habitat, housing 53.17% of India's elephants. The report identifies habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure, mining, and invasive species as the primary drivers of human-elephant conflict, particularly in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Key Points
- The 2021-25 census utilized the Synchronous All-India Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) method for improved accuracy.
- The Western Ghats landscape holds the largest share (over 50%) of India's total elephant population.
- Habitat fragmentation is the leading cause of increasing human-elephant conflict across the country.
- Project Elephant, established in 1992, remains the central framework for elephant conservation in India.
Exam Facts
- Estimated elephant population (2021-25): 22,446.
- Project Elephant launch year: 1992.
- Western Ghats population share: 53.17%.
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