Bhubaneswar: 403 elephants have died in Odisha in 5 years. Last year, 68 elephants died. The death rate is around 3 to 4.5 percent compared to the number of elephants. Most deaths are natural. However, the number of elephants has increased by only 122 in 7 years. According to the state elephant census data, 2098 elephants are moving in the state. However, the death rate of elephants in the state has become a cause of concern. An average of 78 elephants have died every year since 2010.
According to PCCF Sushant Nand, a total of 33 recovered adult tusks, 13 recovered adult fat elephants are alive. Currently, there are 748 adult female elephants, 148 young pregnant elephants and 282 young female elephants, while there are 209 baby elephants. 385 elephants have been counted in the elephant census. Elephants have declared their presence in 38 forest areas. Then 13 Bankhands are empty of elephants.
In Angul, Athagarh, Dhenkanal, Baripada, Chandka, Khordha, Bannai and Kandujhar, the number of elephants has increased unexpectedly. But in Shimilipal, Balasore, Rairangpur, Balangir and Parlakhemundi, elephants are less than before. The holding capacity of elephants in the state is between 2100 and 2200. In winter, elephants come to Odisha in the border forests of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. So the counting will be done again from November.
