Elephant population in Assam increases to 5828 in 2024

ANI January 2, 2025 365 views

Assam has some great news for wildlife lovers - the elephant population has grown to 5,828 in 2024, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts. The state's Forest Department conducted a comprehensive survey, showing an increase from 5,719 elephants in 2017. This positive trend is complemented by innovative strategies like forming anti-depredation squads to protect both wildlife and human settlements. The collaborative approach between forest officials and local communities seems to be making a real difference in protecting these magnificent creatures.

"This is a positive wave for wildlife conservation in Assam" - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, January 2: In a positive development, the elephant population in Assam has increased and the number has gone up to 5,828.

Key Points

1

Population survey reveals 109 elephant increase since 2017

2

Forest Department conducts comprehensive seven-year wildlife estimation

3

Anti-depredation squads established to mitigate human-wildlife conflict

4

Local community involvement crucial in conservation efforts

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Assam Forest Department has recently conducted the elephant population estimation in Assam 2024.

"The last survey was conducted in Assam in 2017 and it recorded 5,719 elephants in the state. Which has increased to 5,828 in 2024. This is a positive wave for wildlife conservation in Assam," Biswa Sarma said.

In a post on social media platform X, He also commended the efforts of the Forest Department in elephant conservation. The survey was conducted after seven years.

https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1874711836572139538

According to the data of the Assam forest department, in 2002 the elephant population in Assam was 5246 and it had increased to 5281 in 2008.

In 2011 the elephant population in Assam was 5620. In October 2024, a wild elephant was found dead in a paddy field in the Goroimari area of Assam's Biswanath district. Locals had found the carcass of a wild tusker in the paddy field and immediately informed forest officials and the police.

Earlier on December 29, Assam took a significant step towards mitigating human-wildlife conflict by forming anti-depredation squads in various districts in the fringe areas of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam's Morigaon district. These squads aim to ensure the safety of both humans and animals, particularly during conflicts arising from the encroachment of wildlife into human habitats.

Forest Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary said that the initiative has been taken by involving locals of nearby villages especially the farmers who are engaged directly in the protection of their farmland from wild animals of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Forest Department, in collaboration with the conservation organization Aranyak, established 13 Anti-Depredation Squads, each comprising residents from different villages. Winter jackets, raincoats, and charging torches have been provided to locals with the help of Aranyak, allowing them to assist the department in emergencies during this winter.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such wonderful news! 🐘💙 Conservation efforts are really paying off. Kudos to the forest department and local communities working together to protect these majestic creatures.
R
Rahul S.
While the population increase is good, I hope the government is also focusing on habitat protection. More elephants need more space and food resources. The anti-depredation squads are a good start though.
A
Ananya M.
My grandfather used to tell stories about elephant sightings when he was young. So happy to hear their numbers are growing! Hope future generations get to experience Assam's rich wildlife too.
J
Jayanta B.
The data shows steady growth since 2002 - that's impressive! But I wonder why they only conduct surveys every 7 years? More frequent monitoring could help with better conservation planning.
S
Sunita P.
Love seeing local communities involved in conservation! When people feel ownership of these initiatives, they're much more likely to succeed. The winter gear for volunteers is a thoughtful touch ❄️
B
Bikram D.
That's 109 more elephants in 7 years! Small increase percentage-wise, but every life counts. The human-elephant conflict mentioned is concerning though - hope the new squads can help reduce casualties on both sides.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Elephant Conservation Assam Wildlife Population Survey Forest Department
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