Number Of Elephants Goes Up By 346 From Last Count, Touches 6,395 In Karnataka: According to the Asian Elephant Population and Demography 2023 report, the state of Karnataka has seen a significant growth in elephant population. The number of elephants in Karnataka has surged from an estimated 6,049 in 2017 to an impressive 6,395, making it the highest elephant-populated region in the country. The report was introduced ahead of the approaching World Elephant Day on August 12, with the aim of raising awareness about the critical need to conserve and safeguard these animals.
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Collaborative Census Effort
This census, conducted from May 17 to 19, involved neighbouring states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Goa. The aim of this census was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the elephant population and their distribution across the region.
A History of Fluctuations
| Year | Elephant Population |
| 2010 | 5,740 |
| 2012 | 6,072 |
| 2017 | 6,049 |
| 2023 | 6,395 (+346) |
| Cumulative Rise since 2010 | +655 |
The elephant population in Karnataka has experienced fluctuations over the past few years. In 2010, there were 5,740 elephants in the state, which increased to 6,072 in 2012. This positive trend, however, has taken a tiny dip, with the numbers falling to 6,049 in 2017. The recent report, however, brings encouraging news with a notable increase of 346 elephants. This achievement marks a cumulative rise of 655 elephants in the state since 2010.
Distribution and Density
- The synchronised census encompassed 23 forest divisions in Karnataka, providing important information about the distribution and density of the elephant population.
- The report reveals that the state boasts an average elephant density of 0.34 per square kilometer.
- Notably, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve leads the pack in terms of elephant density, with 1,116 elephants living at a density of 0.96 per square kilometre.
- The Nagarahole Tiger Reserve closely follows with 831 elephants and a density of 0.93.
- The (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple) BRT Tiger Reserve, home to 619 elephants, maintains a density of 0.69, while the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary houses 706 elephants but has a lower density of 0.60.
- These variations in density highlight the diverse habitats that support Karnataka’s growing elephant population.
Expert Involvement and Census Scope
The elephant population estimation exercise was conducted with the technical expertise of Prof. R. Sukumar from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. More than 3,400 personnel from around the state participated in this exercise. Their collaborative efforts were critical in guaranteeing the accuracy and dependability of the population estimates.