Karnataka’s wild elephant population rises to 6,395: Forest department census

The synchronized census was conducted with Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa from May 17-19 using direct and indirect methods.

“The primary goal was to estimate the wild elephant population using direct and indirect methods, as conducted during the previous estimation exercise of 2017 so as to be able to compare the population trends. Additionally, the census aimed to assess population structure, including age-sex composition and sex ratios, using data from direct sightings in areas with high visibility in various forest divisions. Similar methods have been followed in the state of Karnataka since 2002,” the report said.

Currently, elephants are found in 32 forest divisions unlike 34 in 2017.

“Two divisions, namely, Tumkur and Bengaluru rural do not currently have any elephants and were hence not considered for this survey. The 32 forest divisions in total account for an approximate geographical area of 84,955 sq km. Of these 32 forest divisions, elephants were sighted in 23 forest divisions with a geographical area of around 49,773 sq km during the three day population estimation exercise,” the report added.

The Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru provided technical support.

Of the total 6,395 elephants estimated, around 161 were within private lands like coffee estates which pose conservation challenges.

“These private lands, according to the report, may serve as additional habitats for elephants, but they may also pose challenges for conservation and human-wildlife coexistence. 792 elephants were sighted within the Reserved Forest areas of the respective Forest Divisions,” according to the report.

Around 3,500 forest department personnel participated in the extensive census activity.