Assam’s elephant population rises to 5,828, highlighting conservation success and ongoing challenges

Guwahati, Jan 2: Assam has an estimated 5828 elephants registering an increase of 128 in seven years since 2017.

“The elephant population in Assam has experienced positive growth, increasing from 5,719 in 2017 to 5,828 in 2024. Since 1993, the population has shown remarkable resilience, never dropping below 5,200 individuals despite significant habitat fragmentation, poaching pressures, and increasing human encroachment.

This steady trend highlights the effectiveness of conservation measures while also signalling areas of concern that need further attention” the Elephant Population Estimation Report( 2024) says. The census employed the Direct Visual Total Count (DVTC) method.

The report reveals that approximately 68% of the elephant population was recorded in protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, while 30.5% resided in managed forests, and 1.5% in revenue areas outside traditional habitats.

The report says 52.2% of the population are adults which signifies a healthy, mature age structure. “Such a skew towards adults is characteristic of stable or slowly growing populations,” the report says. Sub-adults comprise 17.9 per cent, juvelines 12.3 per cent, and calves 17.6 per cent.

“The high proportion of calves reflects ongoing successful breeding and good fecundity rates. Generally, calf proportions above 15% indicate a population with active reproduction and potential for future growth, as noted in several long-term studies on Asian elephant demography” the report says.

“Although the adult segment is the largest, the substantial number of calves suggests that recruitment is robust, potentially balancing any adult mortality over time. Such a structure is favourable for the long-term conservation of the species, provided that threats such as habitat loss and human-elephant conflict are mitigated effectively” the report says.

The male population is 1748 while the female population is 3055. The analysis of the male elephant population structure is dominated by Makhnas (64.5%), followed by Tuskers (32.8%), and a small proportion of Ganesh-type males (2.7%). “The high proportion of Makhna in Assam reflects a phenomenon observed across parts of northeastern India, where selective pressures from poaching have favoured the survival of tuskless males. Despite their lack of tusks, Makhna plays a a critical role in breeding and maintaining the social structure of elephant herds” the report says.

“The distribution pattern of elephants in Assam, reveals that a significant majority of the state’s elephant
population is concentrated within the 5 Elephant Reserves, accounting for nearly 81.5% of the total elephant population. In contrast, only 18.5% of the elephants are located outside these reserves, highlighting the crucial role
ERs play in providing secure habitats and mitigating human-elephant conflict” the report says.

The Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve holds the highest population with 2,044 elephants while the Dhansiri-LungdiElephant Reserverve recorded the lowest density (6 elephants per 100 sq km), indicating severe habitat degradation and fragmentation.

The report has called for strengthening anti-poaching efforts, especially in low-density areas and vulnerable corridors, through increased patrolling and strategic deployment of forest personnel.

“Habitat quality within protected areas should be improved, and connectivity between fragmented habitats across Elephant Reserves and adjoining forest areas should be enhanced to facilitate safe movement and reduce the risk of isolation,” the report said.

It said all the elephant corridors should be identified and notified to secure long-term movement pathways for the species, thereby reducing the risk of habitat fragmentation and ensuring safe passage.

The report has called for large-scale community-based interventions, early warning systems, and innovative conflict mitigation strategies should be established in high-conflict zones to safeguard both human and elephant populations.

EOM

Hot this week

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

GST crackdown: Raids on coke industries in Assam over alleged tax evasion

Guwahati, Mar 16: The Central Goods and Services Tax...

NCB cracks down on international drug cartel: ₹88 crore meth haul, 4 arrested

Guwahati, Mar 16: In a major operation against international...

51 dead, dozens more injured in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

Skopje (North Macedonia), Mar 16: A massive nightclub fire...

Forces’ 3,900-km-long motorcycle rally travels through Assam

Guwahati, Mar 16: The 3,900-km-long motorcycle rally, undertaken by...

I don’t want to go to room, sit alone and sulk: Kohli bats for family on tours

Bengaluru, Mar 16: Star batter Virat Kohli supported the...

Indian corporate houses remain positive for hiring persons with disabilities

Kolkata, Mar 16: Indian companies are ramping up hiring...

Whitewashing of Sambhal mosque underway

Sambhal (UP), Mar 16: The whitewashing of the outer...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img