Elephant Population in India 2025
India's Asian elephant population is estimated at 22,446, according to the Synchronous All India Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) 2021–25. This marks a decrease of 4,065 elephants or 17.81% from the 2017 estimate of 27,312, though the report advises treating the current estimate as a new baseline due to methodological changes.
Regional Distribution
- Western Ghats: 11,934 elephants
- North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra floodplains: 6,559 elephants
- Shivalik Hills and Gangetic plains: 2,062 elephants
- Central India and Eastern Ghats: 1,891 elephants
State-wise Population
- Karnataka: 6,013
- Assam: 4,159
- Tamil Nadu: 3,136
- Kerala: 2,785
- Uttarakhand: 1,792
- Odisha: 912
Methodology
The new estimation adopts a methodology similar to the tiger estimation framework:
- Forested habitats divided into small blocks or cells for data collection.
- Use of a genetic mark–recapture model by analyzing over 20,000 dung samples to identify 4,065 unique elephants.
- Combination of genetic data and ground surveys to derive population estimates.
Threats to Elephant Habitats
- Western Ghats: Land use changes, plantation expansions, and development projects.
- Northeast: Connectivity issues, requiring stronger law enforcement.
- Shivalik Hills and Brahmaputra plains: Habitat loss due to infrastructure development.
- Central India: Mining pressures.
Conservation Recommendations
The report calls for enhanced habitat connectivity and law enforcement, along with cooperative engagement to address human-elephant conflicts and habitat disruptions.