India hosts the largest population of Asian elephants, accounting for over 60% of the global wild count. The latest ‘Status of Elephants in India: DNA-based Synchronous All-India Population Estimation’ estimates 22,446 elephants in India.
Conducting Body: The exercise was executed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) under the aegis of Project Elephant (1992).
1. Paradigm Shift in Methodology:
- Old Method: Visual and dung-based counts (prone to errors).
- New Method: DNA Mark–Recapture Technique. It uses unique genetic markers to identify individual elephants, similar to tiger estimation.
- Significance: It overcomes the challenge of elephants lacking distinctive physical features, providing a scientifically accurate count using Spatially Explicit Capture–Recapture (SECR) models.
2. Regional Distribution & Trends
- State-wise Population (Top States):
- Karnataka: 6,013 (Highest).
- Assam: 4,159.
- Tamil Nadu: 3,136.
- Kerala: 2,785.
- Regional Trends:
- Western Ghats: Remains the stronghold with 11,934 elephants, though numbers have declined.
- Northeastern Hills: Significant decline observed (6,559 elephants).
- Central Indian Highlands: Decline recorded (1,891 elephants).
- Shivalik–Gangetic Plains: Population remains nearly unchanged/stable (2,062 elephants).
3. Critical Concerns: Habitat & Conflict
- Habitat Fragmentation: Expansion of coffee and tea plantations, farmland fencing, and infrastructure projects are severely fragmenting habitats, particularly in the Western Ghats.
- The Conflict Paradox in Central India:
- Central India holds less than 10% of the country’s elephant population.
- However, it accounts for 45% of human deaths caused by elephants, highlighting intense Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC).
- Conflict Hotspots: Highest in Assam (Sonitpur, Golaghat) and Central India (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha).
- Threat Assessment: While poaching incidents have declined, habitat degradation has emerged as the primary threat.
4. Species Profile (Static Concepts)
- Subspecies: Indian, Sumatran, and Sri Lankan.
- Social Structure: Led by a Matriarch (oldest female).
- Reproduction: Longest gestation period among mammals (22 months/680 days).
- Protection Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
- CITES: Appendix I.
5. Government Initiatives
- Mike Programme: Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (International collaboration).
- Gaj Yatra: Awareness campaign to celebrate elephants.
- Compensation: Ex-gratia for loss of life/property due to conflict.
- Legal Shield: Schedule I status under WPA, 1972 prohibits hunting.
Q. With reference to the 'Status of Elephants in India 2021-25' report, consider the following statements:
1. The estimation marked a shift from DNA-based methods to visual sightings for higher accuracy.
2. The Shivalik-Gangetic Plains region witnessed a sharp decline in elephant population compared to previous estimates.
3. Karnataka recorded the highest number of elephants among all states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The shift was from visual/dung counts to DNA mark-recapture techniques.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Shivalik-Gangetic Plains population remained nearly unchanged/stable.
Statement 3 is correct: Karnataka has the highest population (6,013).
