Assam’s Elephant Population Surges in 2024

Assam has seen a notable increase in its elephant population, with the latest estimate revealing 5,828 elephants. This figure marks a rise of 109 elephants compared to the 2017 count. The Elephant Population Estimate 2024 was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The assessment took place from February 20 to 27, 2024, involving extensive efforts across the state’s 43 forest divisions.

Synchronised Estimation Process

The elephant population estimate was conducted through a synchronised exercise. This involved 5,743 personnel working across 1,536 survey blocks. Such a large-scale effort marks the commitment to wildlife conservation in Assam. The exercise is held periodically to monitor changes in elephant numbers and assess conservation strategies.

Elephant Distribution and Reserves

A 82% of Assam’s elephants reside within five designated Elephant Reserves. These reserves include protected and non-protected areas, integrating urban centres. The report indicates that 68% of elephants are found in protected areas, while 30.4% inhabit managed forests. Only 1.6% were recorded in revenue areas. The Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve stands out with the highest density of elephants, at 79 per 100 square kilometres.

Habitat Challenges

Despite a stable population, elephants in Assam face challenges. Habitat fragmentation and human-elephant conflict remain pressing issues. The Dhansiri-Lungding Elephant Reserve is particularly concerning, with a low density of 6 elephants per 100 square kilometres. This indicates habitat degradation, necessitating urgent conservation measures.

Reproductive Health Indicators

The report marks a healthy adult female-to-calf ratio of 0.49, suggesting robust reproduction. This means there are 49 calves for every 100 adult females. Additionally, the tusker-to-makhna ratio improved, now standing at 1:1.97, indicating a positive trend in the population of tusked males.

Conservation Recommendations

The report proposes several recommendations to enhance elephant conservation. Key suggestions include strengthening anti-poaching measures, restoring habitats in low-density regions, and notifying all identified elephant corridors. Implementing advanced techniques like radio-telemetry is also recommended for better monitoring of elephant movements.

Future Implications

The findings of the 2024 estimate tell the importance of ongoing conservation efforts. The stability of the elephant population is encouraging but requires continuous attention to mitigate threats from habitat loss and human interaction. Effective management strategies will be crucial for sustaining Assam’s elephant population.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of habitat fragmentation on wildlife conservation in India.
2. Discuss the role of Elephant Reserves in biodiversity conservation. How can they be improved?
3. What are the major threats to elephant populations in India? Discuss with examples.
4. Critically discuss the significance of synchronised wildlife population estimates in conservation policy formulation.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of habitat fragmentation on wildlife conservation in India.

1. Habitat fragmentation leads to isolated populations, reducing genetic diversity.
2. It disrupts migration patterns and access to resources, impacting species survival.
3. Increased human-wildlife conflict arises as animals venture into human settlements.
4. Fragmented habitats can result in edge effects, altering ecosystem dynamics.
5. Conservation strategies must focus on habitat connectivity and restoration efforts.

2. Discuss the role of Elephant Reserves in biodiversity conservation. How can they be improved?

1. Elephant Reserves protect critical habitats, ensuring the survival of elephants and other species.
2. They facilitate ecosystem balance by maintaining food chains and biodiversity.
3. Improvement can include better management practices and community involvement in conservation.
4. Enhancing habitat corridors will allow safe movement for elephants between reserves.
5. Incorporating advanced monitoring technologies can aid in tracking and protecting wildlife.

3. What are the major threats to elephant populations in India? Discuss with examples.

1. Habitat loss due to urbanization and agriculture reduces available space for elephants.
2. Human-elephant conflict arises from encroachment, leading to fatalities on both sides.
3. Poaching for ivory and other body parts remains a persistent threat.
4. Climate change impacts, such as droughts, affect food and water availability.
5. Infrastructure development often disrupts migration routes, isolating populations.

4. Critically discuss the significance of synchronised wildlife population estimates in conservation policy formulation.

1. Synchronised estimates provide accurate data on wildlife populations, essential for effective management.
2. They help identify trends over time, informing conservation strategies and resource allocation.
3. Involvement of multiple stakeholders enhances collaboration and data reliability.
4. Such estimates can highlight areas requiring urgent conservation action or policy adjustments.
5. They encourage public awareness and support for wildlife conservation initiatives.