Assam’s latest Elephant Population Estimate 2024 reveals an estimated 5,828 elephants, marking a rise of 109 from the previous 2017 count. This synchronised estimation exercise highlights the stability of Assam’s elephant population despite challenges such as habitat fragmentation and human-elephant conflicts. Key findings underline the critical role of Elephant Reserves and offer recommendations for improved conservation efforts.
Total Elephant Population
- Estimated at 5,828, an increase of 109 from 5,719 in 2017.
Estimation Process
- Conducted from February 20-27, 2024.
- Involved 5,743 personnel across 1,536 survey blocks in 43 forest divisions.
Population Distribution
- 82% (4,777 elephants) reside in five Elephant Reserves.
- 68% in protected areas.
- 30.4% in managed forests.
- 1.6% in revenue areas.
Elephant Density
- Chirang-Ripu Reserve recorded the highest density: 79 elephants per 100 sq. km.
- Dhansiri-Lungding Reserve recorded the lowest density: 6 elephants per 100 sq. km.
Female to Calf Ratio
- 49 calves per 100 adult females, indicating healthy reproduction rates.
Tusker-to-Makhna Ratio
- Improved from 1:2.63 (2017) to 1:1.97 (2024).
