Significant Rise in Elephant Population in Karnataka

• 11 Aug 2023

According to a report released by Government of Karnataka on 9^th August, 2023, the elephant population in Karnataka has witnessed a notable increase of 346 elephants, surging from an estimated 6,049 in 2017 to the current count of 6,395, marking the highest elephant population in India.

Key Points:

• Collaborative Census Effort: A synchronized elephant census was undertaken by the Karnataka Forest Department in partnership with neighbouring states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Goa, from May 17 to 19, 2023.
• Rise in Elephant Density: The census was carried out across 23 forest divisions, highlighting an average elephant density of 0.34 per square kilometer in the state.
• Bandipur Tiger Reserve holds the highest density at 0.96 elephants per square kilometer, housing a total of 1,116 elephants.
• Nagarahole Tiger Reserve follows with 831 elephants, yielding a density of 0.93 per square kilometer.
• Other Reserves: BRT Tiger Reserve showcases a density of 0.69 with 619 elephants, while MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary records a density of 0.60 despite accommodating 706 elephants.