New DNA based Indian elephant census

Using DNA-based genetic mark-recapture techniques, scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have pegged India's elephant population at 22,446 in a recently released elephant population estimation, highlighted by a Mongabay-India report. This is the same method used for estimating the country's tiger population.

- Meena Janardhan

As the WII report adds, scientists emphasise that the new figures are not comparable with past estimates given the methodological shift. The new estimate of 22,446, with the true number estimated to be between 18,255 and 26,645, serves as a fresh national baseline for future monitoring and research. The new estimate of 22,446, with the true number estimated to be between 18,255 and 26,645, serves as a fresh national baseline for future monitoring and research. As per the new report, Karnataka holds the largest share of elephants with 6013 individuals. The Western Ghats region has 11,934, while Assam leads in the Northeast and Brahmaputra floodplains (6559) with 4159 individuals.