Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Elephant conservation in India
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Why in the News?
- Kerala’s forests have recorded 845 elephant deaths between 2015 and 2023.
- Studies indicate an increasing trend in the death rate over time.
Habitat and Population Challenges
- Elephants face increasing vulnerability due to shrinking habitats and rising fragmentation exacerbated by climate change.
- Factors contributing to their susceptibility include:
- Declining population sizes
- Sensitivity to high temperatures
- Competition from invasive plant species disrupting food sources
- Heightened susceptibility to diseases
Elephant Mortality: Key Trends
- Younger elephants, particularly those under 10 years of age, face the highest risk of mortality.
- The mortality rate for calves is approximately 40%.
- The increase in deaths among calves is primarily due to Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses – Haemorrhagic Disease (EEHV-HD).
Influence of Herd Size on Survival:
- A recent study in Sri Lanka highlights potential mitigating factors against the herpesvirus.
- Calves in larger herds exhibit better survival rates due to shared immunity.
- Exposure to various virus strains within larger herds helps calves develop antibodies, improving their chances of survival.
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About Elephants in India
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Details |
Population Estimate |
- India hosts the largest population of wild Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), with around 29,964 individuals,
- Approximately 60% of the global population (2017 census).
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Leading States |
Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala. |
Conservation Status |
- IUCN Red List: Endangered.
- CMS: Appendix I.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I,
- CITES: Appendix I.
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Conservation Initiatives |
- Project Elephant launched in 1992, covering 23 states across India.
- India is home to more than 60% of all wild Asian elephants.
- Contributed to the increase in wild elephant population from around 25,000 in 1992 to about 30,000 in 2021.
- Establishment of Elephant Reserves. Total 33 in numbers covering approximately 80,777 Sq.km.
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PYQ:
[2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
- The leader of an elephant group is a female.
- The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
- An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
- Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only |
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