According to the Elephant Population Estimate 2024 released by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Assam has an estimated 5,828 elephants. Assam has recorded 5,828 elephants which is stable population over decades.
Elephant numbers estimated during February 20-27 last year was 109 more than the previous count in 2017. According to the 84-page report, 82% of the total population (4,777 elephants) resides within Assam’s five Elephant Reserves, underlining their critical role in conservation. An elephant reserve encompasses protected areas and non-protected areas, including urban centres.If 68% of the elephant population was found to reside in protected areas, 30.4% were recorded in managed forests while 1.6% were spotted in revenue areas.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in coordination with the State Forest Departments, have ground-validated 150 elephant corridors across 15 elephant range states in the country, and informed the State Governments/UT Administrations to take necessary steps to protect and conserve the elephant corridors.
Moreover, critical elephant habitats are notified as ‘Elephant Reserve’ for focus and synergy in elephant conservation and to reduce conflict. The notification is carried out with the approval of Steering Committee, chaired by Hon’ble Minister, Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
India’s first elephant hospital, situated in Mathura, continues to redefine the landscape of advanced medical care for rescued elephants .