Report is part of a synchronized elephant population estimation in the Southern States (Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu). 

• Such synchronized exercise is mandated by an Interstate Coordination Committee (ICC) Charter established by the three Southern States in response to rising Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC).

Key Highlights

• Elephant population in Kerala decreased to 1793 elephants from 1920 elephants in May 2023. 
• High death rate (40%) among Juvenile elephants (aged 10 and below) attributed to the Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses (EEHVs).
• For mitigating HEC, it recommends conducting socio-ecological studies on behaviour of crop raiding animals and a permanent system to assess and monitor HEC.

Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

• It is one of three subspecies of Asian elephants, the other two being the Sumatran and Sri Lankan elephants.
• India is home to over 60% of the world's elephant population with the highest population in Karnataka, followed by Assam and Kerala. 
• Characteristics 
  • Life span: 60-70 years.
  • Gestation period: 20-22 months. 
  • Reproduction: A female starts calving at 18-20 years.
  • Leader of an elephant group: Female.
• Threats: Habitat Fragmentation and degradation due to human settlements, expansion of agriculture and industry, human-elephant conflict, poaching, etc. 
• Conservation Status 
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I 
  • IUCN status: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix I