744 wild elephants died in Kerala in last six years: Study

KOCHI: A total of 744 wild elephants have died in Kerala over the past six years, according to a study submitted by the Forest Department to the Chennai Bench of the National Green Tribunal. Of these deaths, 10.4 percent were linked to human-wildlife conflict.

The study covered the period from April 2019 to March 2025. During this time, an average of 124 elephants died each year. The highest number of elephant deaths was reported in 2024-25, with 150 elephants lost.

Kerala has an estimated wild elephant population of between 2,000 and 2,785. The average annual death rate ranges from 4.45 percent to 6.2 percent. The report noted that a large number of the deaths were of elephant calves below one year of age.

Most elephant deaths occurred between January and May. The main reasons were shortage of food and drinking water. Among the 89.6 percent of deaths classified as natural, 12.10 percent were caused by diseases. Some elephants also died due to attacks by wild animals, including tigers.

77 deaths could have been prevented
During the study period, 77 elephants died in incidents related to human-wildlife conflict. Of these, 5.51 percent died due to electrocution and 1.08 percent were killed after being hit by trains or other vehicles. Another 1.08 percent died due to explosives, while 0.54 percent were killed by poaching.

The report said that although the elephant population in the state remains stable, deaths caused by electrocution and vehicle collisions could be prevented. It suggested that strict action, improved basic facilities including food availability, and better disease prevention measures could help reduce the elephant death rate in the state.