161 of Karnataka’s elephants sighted in private lands: census

Of the 6,395 estimated elephant population in Karnataka in 2023, 161 pachyderms were sighted within private lands such as coffee estates, says the interim report on Asian Elephant population and demography estimates – 2023.

Of the 6,395 estimated elephant population in Karnataka in 2023, 161 pachyderms were sighted within private lands such as coffee estates, says the interim report on Asian Elephant population and demography estimates – 2023.

The report was released by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday ahead of World Elephant Day observed on August 12.

“Out of the total estimated elephant population of 6,395 for Karnataka in 2023, of which about 161 individuals were sighted within private lands, such as coffee estates. These private lands may serve as additional habitats for elephants, but may also pose challenges for conservation and human-wildlife coexistence,” the report stated.

The report said approximately 18% of the elephant population, equivalent to nearly 953 elephants, were located outside of the Protected Areas (PA) network. The report added that the remaining estimated 792 elephants outside PA were sighted within the Reserved Forest areas of the respective forest divisions.

“These Reserved Forests are not part of the formal PA network but may still offer some level of protection and natural habitats for elephants,” the report added.

It further said that conservation efforts should consider the needs of elephants in both types of habitats (PA and non-PAs) to ensure their long-term survival and coexistence with human communities.

In reference to the findings by the Census that 161 elephants were sighted on private lands like coffee estates, the Forest Minister said his department would give priority to preventing man-animal conflicts.