Project Elephant Review Highlights Key Conservation Efforts

The Union Environment Ministry recently convened meeting in Dehradun to review Project Elephant’s initiatives. This meeting, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, marked the 21st gathering of the project’s steering committee. The review focused on various aspects of elephant conservation and habitat protection, particularly in light of recent challenges.

Overview of Project Elephant

Project Elephant is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at conserving elephants and their habitats in India. It was launched to address the declining elephant population and to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. The project encompasses various strategies, including habitat management, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement.

Recent Developments in Elephant Population Estimation

The steering committee reported the completion of Phase-I of the synchronized elephant population estimation in Northeastern states. Over 16,500 dung samples were collected for analysis. The last comprehensive census in 2017 indicated approximately 29,964 elephants in India. However, preliminary reports suggested a 20% decline in numbers since then.

Addressing Human-Elephant Conflict

The committee discussed regional action plans to tackle human-elephant conflicts, particularly in Southern and Northeastern India. It identified 77 high-risk areas along 3,452.4 km of railway tracks, where elephant mortalities due to train collisions have been notably high. Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, 73 elephant deaths were reported from such incidents.

Species Recovery Programme Recommendations

In addition to elephant conservation, the committee recommended including sloth bears and gharials in the species recovery programme. This move aims to enhance biodiversity and protect these vulnerable species through targeted conservation efforts.

DNA Profiling of Captive Elephants

Progress was noted in the DNA profiling of captive elephants. A total of 1,911 genetic profiles have been completed across 22 states. This initiative will aid in understanding genetic diversity and health management of captive populations.

Collaborative Efforts for Conservation

Minister Yadav stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among various sectors, including Indian Railways, the Ministry of Power, and road developers. He called for systematic data collection on elephant deaths due to railway accidents and encouraged knowledge sharing among states to enhance conservation strategies.

Future Directions for Project Elephant

The project is set to continue its focus on comprehensive data analysis and collaborative management strategies. Future initiatives will aim to strengthen habitat protection and reduce human-wildlife conflict, ensuring sustainable coexistence.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of Project Elephant in wildlife conservation and its impact on local communities.
2. Discuss the significance of DNA profiling in wildlife management and conservation strategies.
3. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in India.
4. Critically discuss the importance of inter-departmental collaboration in environmental conservation efforts.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of Project Elephant in wildlife conservation and its impact on local communities.

1. Project Elephant aims to conserve elephant populations and their habitats, addressing the declining numbers of elephants in India.
2. The initiative promotes habitat management and anti-poaching measures, which directly benefit local ecosystems.
3. Community engagement is a key aspect, involving locals in conservation efforts and providing them with alternative livelihoods.
4. By mitigating human-elephant conflicts, the project helps reduce economic losses for farmers and promotes coexistence.
5. Overall, Project Elephant encourages awareness and education among local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation.

2. Discuss the significance of DNA profiling in wildlife management and conservation strategies.

1. DNA profiling helps in understanding genetic diversity within captive and wild populations, crucial for effective breeding programs.
2. It aids in identifying individual animals, which is essential for monitoring populations and managing conservation efforts.
3. Genetic information can inform health management strategies, helping to prevent disease outbreaks in captive populations.
4. Profiling assists in law enforcement against poaching by providing genetic evidence linking seized ivory or products to specific populations.
5. Overall, it enhances the scientific basis for conservation actions and policy-making, ensuring more targeted interventions.

3. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in India.

1. Human-elephant conflict is prevalent, especially in regions where elephant habitats overlap with agricultural lands, leading to crop damage.
2. Train collisions pose threat, with 73 elephant deaths reported between 2019-20 and 2023-24 due to railway accidents.
3. In some areas, wildlife encroachment into human settlements results in property damage and poses risks to human safety.
4. Examples include tiger attacks in rural areas, where livestock predation leads to retaliatory killings of tigers by local communities.
5. Effective mitigation strategies, such as constructing barriers and creating safe corridors, are essential to reduce these conflicts.

4. Critically discuss the importance of inter-departmental collaboration in environmental conservation efforts.

1. Collaboration among departments like Railways, Power, and Wildlife is vital for comprehensive strategies addressing human-wildlife conflicts.
2. Coordinated efforts facilitate resource sharing, leading to more efficient use of funds and expertise in conservation projects.
3. Inter-departmental communication enhances data collection and analysis, providing a clearer understanding of environmental impacts.
4. Such collaboration can streamline the implementation of policies and initiatives, ensuring they are more effective and sustainable.
5. Ultimately, it encourages a holistic approach to environmental conservation, addressing multiple facets of ecological challenges.