Guwahati, Jan 2: Elephant population in Assam has increased from 5,719 in 2017 to 5,828 in the year 2024, according to an estimation report that showcased the effectiveness of ongoing wildlife conservation efforts in the state during the seven-year period.
The report – “Elephant Population Estimation in Assam 2024” – was released by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at a function at the Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden here on Wednesday.
“The seventh statewide estimation exercise covered all 43 forest divisions of Assam using a structured eight-day protocol from February 20 to 27, 2024. As many as 1,536 survey blocks were sampled, with the involvement of over 5,743 personnel, highlighting the extensive scale of the initiative,” an official statement said.
According to the estimation report, 82 percent of the total population (4,777 elephants) resides within the five elephant reserves, underlining their critical role in conservation. The Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve recorded the highest density of 79 elephants per 100 square km.
As far as reproductive health is concerned, the adult female to calf ratio was recorded at 0.49 (49 calves per 100 adult females), indicating robust reproduction and successful recruitment in the population.
The report indicated that Assam’s elephant population has remained stable over decades, never dropping below 5,200, despite challenges like habitat fragmentation and human-elephant conflict.
The role of protected areas in elephant conservation in the state is also significant with 68 percent of the population residing in protected areas, underscoring their importance for elephant conservation.
The report recommended strengthening anti-poaching efforts and habitat restoration in low-density regions, notify all identified elephant corridors to secure long-term movement pathways, and implement advanced monitoring techniques, such as radio-telemetry, for movement studies and adaptive management.
Officials maintain that the findings of the elephant population estimation will help prepare a state-level action plan to enhance elephant conservation in Assam.