On World Elephant Day, August 12, 2025, attention is drawn to the plight of elephants in regions like Odisha, India. Elephants here face significant challenges due to habitat loss, human-elephant conflicts, and other threats.
Key Highlights on Elephant Conservation in Odisha
- Elephant Population: According to the 2024 census, Odisha is home to 2,098 elephants across 38 forest areas in 8 forest divisions. Angul forest division has the highest number of elephants at 779.
- Human-Elephant Conflict: In the last five years, 624 people lost their lives in elephant attacks in Odisha. Elephant herds are also causing damage to crops and human settlements.
- Conservation Challenges: Habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure like railway lines, industries, and power lines is pushing elephants into human settlements, escalating conflicts.
- Efforts for Conservation: The government is considering translocation of elephants to less crowded areas to mitigate conflicts. Initiatives like Gaja Sanrakshana by Tata Power aim to reduce human-elephant conflicts through community awareness and safe habitat creation.
Stats on Elephants in Odisha
- Tusk Elephants: 474
- Male Elephants: 1,030
- Young/Cubs: 594
- Elephant Deaths in 10 Years: 857 elephants died due to various reasons like diseases, electrocution, and accidents
World Elephant Day emphasizes the need for widespread awareness and collective efforts to protect these largest land animals and maintain ecological balance.