Census reveals presence of 1976 wild elephants in Odisha: Routray

A latest elephant census report has revealed the presence of 1976 wild elephants in Odisha, State Forest and Environment Minister Bijayshree Routray said here today. Mr Routray told newspersons here that the number of elephants has increased by 22 in comparison to census conducted in 2015 last.He said the number of wild elephants in 2017 included 344 male, 1092 female and 502 young elephants .The sex of 38 elephants,however, could not be identified. He said out of the total 43 divisions covered in the census, 37 divisions recorded elephants during the census period. Mr

Routray said 1949 census units were formed and 5847 persons were engaged in the census work. In addition to the regular staff wildlife enthusiasts, NGOs, Research Scholars, Academicians also participated in the elephant census conducted from May 9 to 12 last. The Minister said 1536 elephants comprising of 77.73 per cent of the total 1976 elephants were found in three elephant reserves Mayurbhanj (635), Mahanadi ( 694) and Sambalpur ( 207) which have altogether seven sanctuaries. Five other sanctuaries have 79 elephants which constitutes 3.99 per cent of the total elephant populations.

During the census 27 elephants were found in Parlakhemundi division including Lakhari sanctuary, 30 in Baliguda Division including Kotagarh sanctuary, two in Kalahandi South Division including Karlapat sanctuary, one Chandka Wildlife Division including Chandka sanctuary and 19 in Hirakud Wildlife Division including Debrigarh sanctuary. As many as 361 elephants comprising of 18.26 per cent were found outside the elephant reserves and outside the sanctuaries, the Minister said adding that highest number of 330 elephants were found in Similipal core area followed by 169 in Dhenkanal.

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