Introduction
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) recently marked the 30th anniversary of ‘Project Elephant’. The milestone event was highlighted by the announcement of the completion of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) profiling for 270 elephants. This initiative aims to provide enhanced protection for these majestic creatures.
A New Initiative: DNA Profiling
Commenced in August 2022, the DNA profiling initiative is integrated with the Gaj Soochna Mobile Application, designed for forest officials. The process involves obtaining a specific DNA pattern, or profile, from a biological tissue sample. In essence, this profiling serves as an ‘Adhaar card for captive elephants’.
Previously, captive elephants were tracked using electronic chips, a method that proved to be unsuccessful. Now, with the aid of the mobile application, forest officers can identify each elephant and monitor its movement. This crucial information can help keep track of transfers often made in the case of captive elephants. With such unique data available, a more focused approach can be taken towards elephant care.
Project Elephant: An Overview
Launched in 1992, Project Elephant is a Centrally-Sponsored Scheme with a primary objective to protect elephants, improve their habitat quality and connectivity, reduce human-elephant conflict, and ensure the well-being of these animals. It covers 33 elephant reserves, spanning over 80,777 sq km.
Unlike its counterpart – Project Tiger, Project Elephant pays equal attention to the welfare and health of both wild and captive elephants. The scheme provides financial and technical support for the management of free-ranging populations of wild Asian Elephants across different states.
Elephant Population in India
India holds the distinction of being home to 20% of the global captive Asian elephant population. Despite this, regular census of captive elephants is not conducted. With the largest and most stable population of Asian elephants, over 60% of this sub-species resides in India.
A significant portion of this population is concentrated in the Nilgiri landscape, making it the largest single population of endangered Asian elephants globally. The last elephant census in 2017 recorded a total population of 29,964 elephants in India, reflecting a deep-rooted passion for wildlife conservation pervasive in Indian culture.
Key Points Related to Elephants
Elephants are divided into multiple subspecies. Asian elephants include the Indian, Sumatran, and Sri Lankan while African elephants comprise the Savanna (or bush) elephant and the Forest elephant. The global population of the former is estimated to be between 20,000 and 40,000, with the Indian subspecies accounting for the largest portion.
Compared to the ‘Endangered’ status of Asian elephants, African elephants are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List. However, these creatures face numerous challenges worldwide, including poaching, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, mistreatment in captivity, and abuse due to elephant tourism.
Elephant Conservation Efforts
Efforts to conserve elephants range from eliminating invasive species that obstruct their food sources to launching nationwide awareness campaigns like Gaj Yatra. Internationally collaborative programs like the Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) track trends related to their illegal slaughter across Africa and Asia.
Attempts to improve the welfare of elephants also involve individuals like mahouts, who play a vital role in the animals’ care. Recent legal actions such as the Supreme Court upholding the 2011 order of the Madras High Court on the Nilgiris elephant corridor have further strengthened conservation efforts.
