In a landmark conservation effort, India’s first nationwide DNA-based elephant census (SAIEE 2021–25) has brought to light some concerning numbers. According to the latest data, the country’s wild elephant population has fallen to 22,446, marking a sharp 25% decline since 2017, when the population was estimated at around 29,964.
While India continues to host nearly 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants, this decline highlights serious ecological challenges that must be addressed urgently.
What Makes This Census Different
Unlike previous estimates based on indirect signs such as dung counts and sightings, the SAIEE (Scientific Asian Elephant Enumeration Exercise) employed DNA fingerprinting from dung samples across elephant habitats.
✅ Key Advantages of DNA-based Census:
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More accurate population estimation
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Helps identify individual elephants
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Enables tracking of migration patterns and genetic diversity
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Crucial for conservation planning and corridor protection
This scientific method offers greater reliability and granularity in understanding elephant populations and their movement across India.
The Numbers at a Glance
| Year | Estimated Population | Method | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | ~29,964 | Traditional count | — |
| 2025 | 22,446 | DNA-based census | ↓ 25% |
Why the Decline is Alarming
1. Habitat Fragmentation
Rapid urbanization, deforestation, and infrastructure projects have broken traditional elephant corridors, disrupting their migration routes and access to resources.
2. Human-Elephant Conflict
As habitats shrink, elephants increasingly stray into human settlements, leading to crop raids, property damage, and sometimes tragic encounters for both communities and elephants.
3. Illegal Poaching & Ivory Trade
Though reduced in recent years, poaching remains a threat in certain pockets, further stressing vulnerable populations.
4. Climate Change Impacts
Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are affecting food and water availability in elephant habitats.
Where Elephants Live in India
India’s wild elephant populations are concentrated in:
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Southern India: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
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Northeast: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya
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Central & East: Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh
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North: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
Many of these states have vital elephant corridors that enable movement across landscapes and borders. Protecting these corridors is crucial to ensure long-term survival.
🐘 State-Wise Elephant Population in India (SAIEE 2021–25)
India’s first DNA-based elephant census has provided more accurate state-level population estimates, highlighting key strongholds of the species.
| State / Region | Estimated Wild Elephant Population |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | 6,013 🐘 |
| Assam | 4,159 🐘 |
| Tamil Nadu | 3,136 🐘 |
| Kerala | 2,785 🐘 |
| Uttarakhand | 1,792 🐘 |
| Odisha | 912 🐘 |
| Chhattisgarh & Jharkhand (combined) | 650+ 🐘 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 617 🐘 |
| Meghalaya | 677 🐘 |
| Nagaland | 252 🐘 |
| Tripura | 153 🐘 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 97 🐘 |
| Maharashtra | 63 🐘 |
Total estimated population: 22,446 elephants
These numbers emphasize the importance of states like Karnataka, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, which together host a major share of India’s elephant population. It also shows the need for focused conservation efforts in regions with smaller but crucial populations like central and northeastern India.
Government & Conservation Efforts
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Project Elephant – Launched in 1992 to protect elephants and their habitats.
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Elephant Corridors Network – Mapping and legal protection of over 100 migration corridors.
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DNA Database – A nationwide genetic database is being developed to monitor movement and prevent wildlife crime.
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Community Coexistence Initiatives – Programs involving local communities to reduce conflict and promote coexistence.
What Needs to Be Done
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Secure and restore elephant corridors through habitat protection and reforestation.
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Strengthen human-elephant coexistence programs with compensation and mitigation measures.
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Expand scientific monitoring to track populations and prevent poaching.
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Involve communities and local governments in conservation planning.
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Integrate climate resilience strategies to safeguard elephant habitats.
Why This Matters
Asian elephants are keystone species, meaning their presence helps maintain ecological balance. By dispersing seeds, clearing vegetation, and shaping forests, they support biodiversity.
A decline in elephant populations doesn’t just threaten one species — it signals a larger ecosystem imbalance that affects forests, rivers, and people.
India’s DNA-based elephant census is a groundbreaking step in wildlife science. But the 25% population decline is a clear call to action. Protecting elephants means protecting India’s natural heritage, its forests, and its future.
With better conservation planning, stronger community engagement, and science-led action, India can ensure that its elephants continue to roam free for generations to come.
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