State’s wild elephant population falls by 6.61% (Kochi)
Times of India
July 17, 2024
The number of wild elephants in the state has come down by 6.61% in the
last one year, according to the latest elephant population estimation
conducted by the state forest department.
The number of elephants counted this year (under block count method) is
1,793 while it was 1,920 last year. The latest synchronised population
estimation was carried out in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka from May 23
to 25. Of the total adult and sub-adult elephants counted this year, 36.04%
were males which is an increase from 30.55% last year.
The report says the difference in sex ratio is due to various factors
including dispersal of pubertal males not just from native herds but also
from their native home ranges to various locations.
As many as 845 elephants died from 2015 to 2023. Calves below 10 years
constituted 39.62% of the total mortality, followed by those in the 10-20
age group.
Forest officials said elephant mortality is high in calves because of lack
of immunity, organ failure and threat from carnivorous animals.
“Extreme weather and intolerant temperature coupled with elephant
endotheliotropic herpesvirus, a viral infection, are the reasons for the
rise in mortality among calves,” a senior forest official said.
Another official said mortality among calves is high in tigers as well.
“Mortality among calves is natural. Just like in humans, immunity is less
for calves till they reach the sub adult stage. Besides, there are
birth-related issues.
They are also prone to attack from carnivorous animals,” said the officer,
adding that the population varies due to constant movement of elephants to
faraway places.
The report puts forward a slew of recommendations while admitting that the
habitats of elephants are shrinking.
“Manage crucial habitats like marshy grasslands,” it recommends.
It also calls for exploring proven treatment, adopted elsewhere
successfully, to minimise mortality among calves in Kerala forests.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/states-wild-elephant-population-declines-by-661/articleshow/111793532.cms
State’s wild elephant population falls by 6.61% (Kochi)
Times of India
July 17, 2024
The number of wild elephants in the state has come down by 6.61% in the
last one year, according to the latest elephant population estimation
conducted by the state forest department.
The number of elephants counted this year (under block count method) is
1,793 while it was 1,920 last year. The latest synchronised population
estimation was carried out in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka from May 23
to 25. Of the total adult and sub-adult elephants counted this year, 36.04%
were males which is an increase from 30.55% last year.
The report says the difference in sex ratio is due to various factors
including dispersal of pubertal males not just from native herds but also
from their native home ranges to various locations.
As many as 845 elephants died from 2015 to 2023. Calves below 10 years
constituted 39.62% of the total mortality, followed by those in the 10-20
age group.
Forest officials said elephant mortality is high in calves because of lack
of immunity, organ failure and threat from carnivorous animals.
“Extreme weather and intolerant temperature coupled with elephant
endotheliotropic herpesvirus, a viral infection, are the reasons for the
rise in mortality among calves,” a senior forest official said.
Another official said mortality among calves is high in tigers as well.
“Mortality among calves is natural. Just like in humans, immunity is less
for calves till they reach the sub adult stage. Besides, there are
birth-related issues.
They are also prone to attack from carnivorous animals,” said the officer,
adding that the population varies due to constant movement of elephants to
faraway places.
The report puts forward a slew of recommendations while admitting that the
habitats of elephants are shrinking.
“Manage crucial habitats like marshy grasslands,” it recommends.
It also calls for exploring proven treatment, adopted elsewhere
successfully, to minimise mortality among calves in Kerala forests.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/states-wild-elephant-population-declines-by-661/articleshow/111793532.cms
