June 5th 2024.
In an exciting update, the population of elephants in Odisha has officially surpassed 2,000! According to a senior forest officer, there has been an increase of 122 elephants in the last seven years, bringing the total count to 2,098. This is a significant jump from the 2017 census, which had recorded 1,976 elephants in the state.
The Odisha Forest and Environment Department released the All Odisha Elephant Census-2024 report on Wednesday, sharing the latest findings with the public. Upon analyzing the data, it was discovered that certain divisions, such as Angul, Athgarh, Dhenkanal, Baripada, Chandaka, Khurda, Bonai, and Keonjhar, have seen a notable growth in their elephant population. However, there has been a decline in other areas, such as Similipal North, Similipal South, Balasore, Rairangpur, Bolangir, and Parlakhemundi forest divisions.
Susanta Nada, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Wildlife, highlighted another interesting observation from the census - a change in the movement patterns of elephants in Angul, Rourkela, and Baripada circles. This could indicate a shift in their natural habitats or behavior, which will be further studied by experts.
One of the most promising findings is the increase in the number of tuskers, with a growth of 40% in the last seven years. This has led to a balanced ratio of adult males to females, as well as a significant number of young elephants in the overall population. It's an encouraging sign for the preservation of these majestic creatures.
In terms of conservation efforts, Nada shared that the percentage of wild elephant deaths in the last five years has remained within a range of 3 to 4.5% of the total population. This is the lowest recorded during the last financial year of 2023-24. These statistics showcase the effectiveness of the government's initiatives in protecting and preserving the elephants.
The three-day census, which took place from May 22 to 24, involved counting a total of 2,098 elephants, including 313 adult tuskers, 13 adult "makhnas," 748 adult females, 148 sub-adult males, 282 sub-adult females, 209 juveniles, and 385 calves. The census was conducted in 48 forest divisions across 28 districts, with 1,214 "machans" constructed in 1,905 census units throughout the state.
Over 5,700 individuals were involved in this massive effort, including wildlife enthusiasts, NGOs, research scholars, and academicians. The traditional method of direct sighting was used, with teams stationed at various locations to record the elephants' presence. It's a collaborative effort that showcases the dedication and passion of the people of Odisha towards preserving their state's natural heritage.
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