Assam has recorded an elephant population of 5,828 during the Elephant Population Estimation 2024 conducted by the state forest department, an increase from the last such survey in 2017 with 5,719 elephants.
The population includes 3,044 adults, 1,042 sub-adults, 717 juveniles and 1,025 calves. The estimation was conducted in all 43 forest divisions in Assam. It states that 82% of the total population – or 4,777 elephants – are within the five elephant reserves in the state, with the highest density in Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve.
The population stood at 5,620 in 2011, 5,281 in 2008 and 5,246 in 2002.
“Assam’s elephant population has remained stable over decades, never dropping below 5,200, despite challenges like habitat fragmentation and human-elephant conflict,” read a note by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
