India’s Wild Elephant Population Declines 25% in 2025 DNA Census – Conservation Alert

India’s first DNA-based elephant census (2025) has revealed a 25% decline in the country’s wild elephant population. Conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and state forest departments, this census provides the most accurate data yet and highlights urgent conservation needs.

What Makes the 2025 Census Unique

• Uses genetic analysis from dung and hair samples to identify individual elephants.

• Covers Western Ghats, Northeast India, Central India, and Northern belt.

• Prevents double-counting and ensures precise population estimates.

Key Findings

• Population decline: 25%

• Estimated wild elephants: 20,000–25,000

• Sharp declines in Odisha, Assam, Chhattisgarh

• Stable populations in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

Causes of Decline

1. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.

2. Human-elephant conflict causing deaths of humans and elephants.

3. Poaching and illegal trade for skin, meat, and ivory.

4. Linear infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and power lines.

How DNA Monitoring Works

• Over 30,000 dung samples collected and analyzed.

• Identifies individual elephants and tracks genetic diversity.

• Forms the baseline for long-term population monitoring.

Conservation Implications

• Strengthen Project Elephant with DNA monitoring.

• Expand and protect elephant corridors.

• Implement early-warning systems for conflict zones.

• Involve local communities in coexistence programs.

• Promote eco-tourism to fund conservation efforts.

Future Roadmap

• Establish national elephant DNA database.

• Repeat censuses every 5–7 years.

• Enhance cross-border conservation with Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar.

FAQ

Q1: Why DNA over traditional counts?
A1: Provides precise identification and avoids double counting.

Q2: How often will DNA censuses occur?
A2: Recommended every 5–7 years.

Q3: Which states saw the steepest declines?
A3: Odisha, Assam, Chhattisgarh.

Q4: Can communities help?
A4: Yes, via eco-tourism, awareness, and crop compensation programs.

People Also Ask

• Total elephants in India 2025? ~20,000–25,000.

• How does DNA improve accuracy? Identifies individuals, avoids double-counting.

• What is Project Elephant? National initiative to conserve elephants and habitats.

Infographic Highlights

• Population decline: 25%

• Regions most affected: Odisha, Assam, Chhattisgarh

• Regions stable: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu

• DNA samples collected: 30,000+

• Key threats: Habitat loss, human conflict, poaching, infrastructure

Conclusion

The DNA-based Elephant Census 2025 offers a clear, reliable picture of India’s wild elephants. The 25% decline signals urgent action for habitat restoration, community involvement, and conservation monitoring to secure the future of these keystone species.