Short Article
14-09-2023 | 12:36 PM
Asian Elephant Population and Demography Estimates, 2023
Karnataka Minister of Forests has released an interim report on Asian Elephant Population and Demography Estimates, 2023.
Key Highlights:
- The report has been prepared after a synchronized elephant census was conducted by the Forest Department in collaboration with neighboring Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa.
- The number of wild elephants in Karnataka has increased to 6,395 this year from 6,049 in 2017.
- In 2010, the projected number was 5,740. It stood at 6,072 in 2012 before the dip in 2017.
- However, out of the total 6,395 elephants estimated, around 161 were within private lands like coffee estates which pose conservation challenges.
- Karnataka has an average elephant density of 0.34 per sq. km.
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve with 1,116 elephants accounted for the highest density of 0.96 per sq. km followed by Nagarahole Tiger Reserve that has 831 elephants with a density of 0.93.