Kerala sees decline in wild elephant population, Forest Department reports

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forest department says that there are 1793 wild elephants in Kerala. The census was conducted on May 23, 24 and 25. According to the estimate of 2023, there were 1920 wild elephants and this time there has been a decrease in the number, Forest Department Minister A.K. Sashindran said.

Out of the 9622.708 sq km forest area of the state, 3499.52 sq km areas where elephants were found were divided into 608 sample blocks ranging from 4 to 7.09 sq km. States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were also counted on the same day. The census was based on block count, dung count and open area count focusing on waterholes and streams where elephants can be seen.

In the block count, 1073 elephants were found in 384 groups including single ones. Out of direct counting, 81 numbers could not be classified. Of the remaining 992 elephants, 61 per cent are adults, 18 per cent younger and 20 per cent cubs.

Although it was found that the number of wild elephants has decreased this year compared to 2023, the reasons for the decrease in numbers will also be examined.

Elephants found in different areas

(2023 figure in brackets)

Elephant hair- 696 (615)

Nilambur- 171 (198)

Periyar-811 (813)

Wayanad- 249 (178)