Synchronised elephant count exercise concludes in south Karnataka region, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Three-day elephant census concluded in South Karnataka on May 26.
• Conducted under the Interstate Coordination Committee (ICC) charter.
• Methodologies included block sampling, line transects, and waterhole counts.
• Covered major protected areas like Bandipur, Nagarahole, Bhadra, BRT, Cauvery, MM Hills, and others.
• Data to help address rising human-elephant conflict, especially in border regions with Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Detailed Insights:

• Census Methodology:
  • Day 1: Block sampling and direct sightings.
  • Day 2: Line transect observations.
  • Day 3: Waterhole counts to determine sex ratio and distribution, though rainfall affected participation.
  • Conducted simultaneously across South Indian States for uniformity in data collection.
• Coverage in Karnataka:
  • Census covered tiger reserves, wildlife divisions, and forest blocks across 15 major locations including Bandipur, Nagarahole, and Shivamogga.
  • Enables comparison with past data to observe population dynamics and migratory behaviour.
• Purpose & Importance:
  • Helps resolve human-elephant conflict, especially where urbanisation overlaps elephant corridors.
  • Contributes to policy planning in landscape-level wildlife management.
  • The sex ratio, distribution trends, and movement maps are vital for conservation policies.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Block Sampling: Dividing a landscape into grids for consistent sampling of wildlife.
• Transect Method: Walking fixed paths to count sightings and signs of elephants.
• Waterhole Count: Observing animal visits to water sources to estimate population size and sex ratio.
• Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC): A recurring issue due to shrinking habitats, often leading to crop damage, human deaths, and retaliatory killings.

Significance:

• Helps in adaptive management of elephant habitats and development of buffer zones.
• Essential for fulfilling India’s obligations under the Project Elephant and Asian Elephant Action Plan.
• Could facilitate transboundary cooperation among southern states for elephant corridor protection.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the importance of synchronised elephant population surveys in wildlife conservation. How can such exercises contribute to mitigating human-elephant conflict in India?