Rise in Elephant Population
Tamil Nadu Wild Elephant Census 2025: The Wild Elephant Survey 2025 revealed that Tamil Nadu recorded 3,170 wild elephants in May 2025. This marks an increase of 107 elephants from the 2024 count of 3,063, showcasing a positive trend in elephant conservation efforts.
The synchronised survey spanned 8,989.63 square kilometres across 26 forest divisions in the state. The exercise employed both direct (Block Count) and indirect (Dung Count) methods to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Static GK fact: The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the significance of such periodic surveys.
Survey Methodology
The survey, conducted jointly by forest officials and wildlife experts, adopted a scientific synchronised approach. Teams were deployed simultaneously across forest divisions to avoid duplication and ensure accurate data.
In the Block Count method, elephants are directly sighted and counted in a defined block, while the Dung Count method estimates population density based on dung samples collected over the area.
Static GK Tip: The first All-India Elephant Census was launched in 1993, and since then, Tamil Nadu has actively participated in every census cycle.
Key Findings
The Nilgiri Elephant Reserve emerged as the state’s largest elephant habitat, reporting 2,419 elephants (Block Count) and 3,163 elephants (Dung Count) — the highest in Tamil Nadu. This region remains a critical corridor connecting populations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Adults formed 44% of the total population, while the sex ratio stood at 1 male to 1.77 females, indicating a healthy reproductive balance.
Static GK fact: The Nilgiri Elephant Reserve, established in 2003, covers parts of the Nilgiris, Erode, and Coimbatore districts, and is India’s first notified Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant (1992).
Conservation Significance
The population rise reflects the success of anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community awareness programs under Project Elephant. Conservationists view this growth as a sign of improved ecological stability in the Western Ghats landscape.
The Forest Department aims to use this data for habitat management, corridor protection, and mitigation of human-elephant conflicts, which remain a major challenge in agricultural zones bordering forest areas.
Static GK Tip: India is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants, making such state-level censuses vital for national biodiversity monitoring.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Tamil Nadu Wild Elephant Census 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| State surveyed | Tamil Nadu |
| Year of survey | 2025 |
| Total elephant population | 3,170 |
| Increase from 2024 | 107 elephants |
| Area covered | 8,989.63 sq km |
| Number of forest divisions | 26 |
| Leading reserve | Nilgiri Elephant Reserve |
| Highest count (Dung method) | 3,163 elephants |
| Adult population percentage | 44% |
| Sex ratio | 1 male : 1.77 females |
| Survey methods used | Block Count and Dung Count |
| Project Elephant launched | 1992 |
| Nilgiri Elephant Reserve established | 2003 |
| IUCN status of Asian Elephant | Endangered |
| India’s share of global elephant population | Over 60% |
