Report is part of a synchronized elephant population estimation in the Southern States (Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu).
- Such synchronized exercise is mandated by an Interstate Coordination Committee (ICC) Charter established by the three Southern States in response to rising Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC).
Key Highlights
- Elephant population in Kerala decreased to 1793 elephants from 1920 elephants in May 2023.
- High death rate (40%) among Juvenile elephants (aged 10 and below) attributed to the Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses (EEHVs).
- For mitigating HEC, it recommends conducting socio-ecological studies on behaviour of crop raiding animals and a permanent system to assess and monitor HEC.
Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
- It is one of three subspecies of Asian elephants, the other two being the Sumatran and Sri Lankan elephants.
- India is home to over 60% of the world's elephant population with the highest population in Karnataka, followed by Assam and Kerala.
- Characteristics
- Life span: 60-70 years.
- Gestation period: 20-22 months.
- Reproduction: A female starts calving at 18-20 years.
- Leader of an elephant group: Female.
- Threats: Habitat Fragmentation and degradation due to human settlements, expansion of agriculture and industry, human-elephant conflict, poaching, etc.
- Conservation Status
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
- IUCN status: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
Role of Elephants in ecosystem
Conservation Measures
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