Rising Elephant Population in Assam

Elephant Population in Assam

Assam has witnessed a significant rise in its elephant population, with the latest count revealing 5,828 elephants—an increase of 109 since the 2017 census. This data, shared by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, comes from a comprehensive survey conducted between February 20 and 27, 2024. The synchronized estimation involved 5,743 personnel working across 1,536 survey blocks in 43 forest divisions, underscoring the crucial role of elephant reserves in conservation and conflict mitigation.

Key Elephant Reserves in Assam

Assam boasts five prominent elephant reserves that are vital for conservation efforts:

• Chirang-Ripu
• Sonitpur
• Dehing-Patkai
• Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong
• Dhansiri-Lungding

These reserves collectively shelter about 82% of the state’s elephant population, playing a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance.

Insights of Elephant Population in Assam

The 2024 census highlights the distribution of elephants across various habitats:

• Protected Areas: Home to 68% of the population
• Managed Forests: Account for 30.4%
• Revenue Areas: Host only 1.6%, reflecting the impact of habitat fragmentation and human activities

Survey Methodology

The elephant population was estimated using the Direct Visual Total Count (DVTC) method. Survey blocks were divided into manageable zones, with teams equipped with GPS devices, binoculars, and data sheets. A preliminary survey helped collect baseline information before the final count.

Significant Findings

• Reproduction Success: The adult female-to-calf ratio stands at 0.49, indicating healthy breeding trends.
• Improved Tusker Survival: The tusker-to-makhna ratio improved from 1:2.63 in 2017 to 1:1.97 in 2024, reflecting better survival rates despite poaching threats.

Challenges in Conservation

While the population is stable, several challenges persist:

• Habitat Degradation: Fragmentation due to human activities threatens ecosystems.
• Low-Density Areas: The Dhansiri-Lungding Reserve reports only 6 elephants per 100 sq. km, highlighting severe habitat loss.

Recommendations for Better Conservation

The report outlines several strategies to strengthen conservation efforts:

1. Anti-Poaching Measures: Enhanced protection against poaching activities.
2. Habitat Restoration: Focus on areas with low elephant density.
3. Corridor Identification: Establish critical movement pathways for elephants.
4. Advanced Monitoring: Implement technologies like radio telemetry to track elephant movements and behavior.

Role of Protected Areas

Protected areas remain indispensable for the survival of Assam’s elephants. They serve as crucial breeding grounds and ensure genetic diversity. Active management and strict protection are vital to sustaining these populations and reducing human-elephant conflicts.