New Report Reveals 150 Elephant Corridors in India

14 Sep 2023

A recent report from the Union Environment Ministry unveils the existence of at least 150 elephant corridors in India, with West Bengal topping the list with 26 such passages.

This is a significant increase from the 88 corridors identified in the 2010 Elephant Task Force report.

Key Points:

Intensification and Status of Elephant Corridors: The report notes an intensification of elephant use in 59 corridors, stability in 29, and a decrease in 29 others.
Conservation Importance: The report emphasizes the significance of safeguarding elephant corridors to prevent demographic isolation and maintain genetic diversity, reducing the risk of extinction for elephant populations.
India's Elephant Population: As of the last estimate in 2017, India is home to approximately 30,000 elephants, constituting 60 percent of the global elephant population.
Regional Distribution of Corridors: Among the four elephant-bearing regions in India, the east-central region boasts the highest number of corridors at 52, followed by the northeast region with 48 and the southern region with 32.
The northern region has the fewest corridors, numbering 18.
Corridor Locations and Trans-National Corridors: Out of the 150 corridors, 126 are within individual state boundaries, while 19 span two states.
Additionally, six trans-national corridors exist between India and Nepal, mainly in Uttar Pradesh.

Conservation Efforts by Government to Protect Elephants

Project Elephant (1992 - Present)

Launched in 1992, it's a dedicated, ongoing initiative to conserve India's elephant population.
Key objectives include protecting elephants, preserving their migration routes, and safeguarding their natural habitats.

Global Tribute on World Elephant Day

World Elephant Day, observed annually on August 12, highlights the global significance of these majestic animals.
Raises awareness about their crucial role in the ecosystem.

Creation of Elephant Corridors

Government-established elephant corridors ensure safe movement for elephants.
These designated patches of land provide access to food and water within forests, reducing human-elephant conflicts.
Utilizes LiDAR technology for precise corridor planning.

Financial Support and Crop Insurance

States and Union Territories receive financial aid through the 'Project Elephant' Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
Crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana covers farmers whose crops are damaged by wildlife, including elephants.

Capacity Building and Training

Ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity and training of forest personnel.
Focus on effective elephant population management and conflict mitigation.

National Heritage Animal Designation

Elephant designated as the National Heritage Animal in India.
Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) receives the highest protection under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

Ban on Ivory Trade and Protection Measures

Strict prohibition of elephant ivory trade in India.
All ivory markets and carvings closed since 1990.
Robust protection contributes to a stable Asian elephant population in the country.

DNA Profiling and Collaboration

Conduct DNA profiling of captive elephants.
Mobile application for data capture, reliable marking and tracing.

Government Policies and Legal Framework for Elephant Protection

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Elephants listed in Schedule 1, receiving the highest level of protection.
Ownership of an elephant requires permission from the local Chief Wildlife Warden.

CITES Ratification (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

Ratified in 1976, placing the Asiatic elephant in Appendix 1.
Prohibits international trade in species threatened with extinction.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

Formulated Animal Welfare Board.
Utilized for the care of captive elephants.

Gajah Task Force, 2010

Reviewed existing elephant protection measures.
Recommended various conservation strategies.
Identified 26 wildlife corridors for immediate enhancement.

Gaj Yatra and Gaj Mahotsav

Initiated in 2017 and 2018 by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) and Wildlife Trust of India.
Interactive events promoting elephant awareness.
Focus on securing wildlife corridors as highlighted in the "Rights of Passage" report.

HEC Mitigation (Human-Elephant Conflict)

Launch of the Surakshya portal in 2020.
Facilitates real-time monitoring of human-elephant conflicts to aid policymakers.

Gaj Gaurav Award, 2022

Recognizes grassroots efforts in elephant conservation.
Encourages and incentivizes elephant care initiatives.