The elephant census,which recently concluded in Uttar Pradesh,has shown a decline in the population of pachyderms. While the number of elephants has dropped in Bijnor and Nazibabad reserves,there is a marginal increase in the elephant population in Shivalik forest division as compared to the 2007 census figure. In Nazibabad forest division,a total of 101 elephants have been traced as compared to 172 of 2007 census. Similarly,there has been a decline in the pachyderms population in Amangarh stretch of Bijnor forest division. The present census found that there were only seven elephants in the area as compared to 16 in 2007. Only in the Shivalik forest division,two more elephants were found as compared to the last census,taking the figure to 31. The forest officials cite the dip in elephant population to migration. It has rained comparatively less this year,and because of high temperature,the elephants might have migrated to Uttrakhand. During this period,the elephants generally migrate to adjoining areas of Rajaji National Park and Corbett National Park in Uttrakhand, said R P Yadav,Sub Divisional Officer (SDO),Nazibabad forest division. The officials are now keenly awaiting the results of the Uttrakhand elephant census figure,as it would make it clear whether the elephants have migrated from Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile,with more sightings of elephants in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve,the state and central governments also conducted the census in the tiger reserve for the first time,and found that the area is home to 11 elephants.
