Alarming Decline: Jharkhand's Dwindling Elephant Population

Jharkhand's wild elephant population has significantly decreased to 217 from 678 in 2017, as per India's first DNA-based elephant census. The decline is attributed to habitat loss, human-elephant conflicts, and corridor encroachment. Efforts are underway to restore habitats and mitigate conflict amidst severe human-elephant clashes.

Jharkhand's wild elephant population has witnessed a drastic decline, from 678 in 2017 to a mere 217, based on India's pioneering DNA-based elephant census findings.

Wildlife experts describe the situation as alarming, attributing the decline to heightened human-elephant conflicts, habitat encroachment, and destruction of elephant corridors.

Efforts to restore elephant habitats, including grassland development and food cultivation, are underway as authorities study the latest elephant estimation report.

(With inputs from agencies.)