Why in NEWS
The Union Environment Ministry recently reviewed the progress of Project Elephant (1992), with a focus on reducing mortality, managing human-elephant conflict, and improving conservation through genetic profiling. Simultaneously, the National Board for Wildlife recommended adding the Sloth Bear and Gharial to the Species Recovery Programme.
Key Concepts Simplified
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Project Elephant (1992) | A central government scheme for elephant conservation, habitat protection, and conflict mitigation |
| Species Recovery Programme | A conservation initiative under MoEFCC aimed at reviving populations of critically endangered species |
| Keystone Species | A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem |
News Details
- Phase-I of synchronized elephant estimation completed in Northeastern states.
- 73 elephant deaths from train collisions (2019–2024); high-risk railway zones surveyed for mitigation.
- Captive elephants genetically profiled for improved care and breeding management.
- Regional action plans introduced to tackle rising human-elephant conflict, especially in the South and Northeast.
- Sloth bear and Gharial proposed for inclusion in India’s Species Recovery Programme.
Key Highlights of Project Elephant Review
| Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Mortality Mitigation | Surveyed railway tracks to identify high-risk zones; 73 elephant deaths due to train collisions (2019–2024). |
| Genetic Profiling | Created genetic profiles of captive elephants for better health and breeding management. |
| Conflict Management | Regional action plans in Southern and Northeastern India to protect elephant corridors and reduce human-elephant conflict. |
Elephants: Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | India’s National Heritage Animal |
| Social Structure | Matriarchal; live in female-led groups |
| Ecological Role | Keystone species and ecosystem engineers – seed dispersal, create water access for other species |
| Species | – Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) |
| – Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana) | |
| – Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) | |
| Indian Subspecies | Elephas maximus indicus (Indian elephant), part of Asian elephants |
| Global Share | India hosts ~60% of global Asian elephant population |
| 2017 Population in India | Approx. 29,964 elephants |
| Top States | 1. Karnataka |
| 2. Assam | |
| 3. Kerala | |
| Top Forest Division | Sathyamangalam (highest elephant population in a protected area) |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code: “GRACE”
- Genetic profiling
- Railway surveys
- Asian elephant focus
- Conflict management
- Estimation in NE
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following is not a species of African elephant?
A. Loxodonta africana
B. Loxodonta cyclotis
C. Elephas maximus
D. None of the above - Which Indian state had the highest elephant population as per the 2017 census?
A. Kerala
B. Assam
C. Karnataka
D. Tamil Nadu - What is the purpose of genetic profiling of captive elephants under Project Elephant?
A. Identify poachers
B. Enhance forest growth
C. Improve health and breeding care
D. Increase tourism
Mains Questions
- Discuss the role of elephants as keystone species and the steps taken by India under Project Elephant for their conservation. (GS3 – Environment)
- *Human-animal conflict is rising in India. Suggest measures to mitigate such conflicts with reference to elephants. (GS3 – Biodiversity and Conservation)
Prelims Answer Key with Explanations
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Elephas maximus is the Asian elephant, not African. |
| 2 | C | Karnataka had the highest number of elephants in the 2017 census. |
| 3 | C | Genetic profiling helps in better care, health tracking, and breeding. |
