AT 3,170, TN WILD JUMBO TALLY SEES MINOR RISE

Population density remains consistent at 0.35 to 0.37 per sq km; govt now focusing on improving habitat quality

- SV KRISHNA CHAITANYA @Chennai

THE state's wild elephant population has recorded a modest yet steady increase, with the latest Synchronized Elephant Population Estimation (SEPE) 2025 recording 3,170 elephants, up from 3,063 last year. The state's elephant population density is estimated at 0.35 to 0.37 elephants per square kilometre - consistent with earlier surveys conducted in 2010, 2017, 2023, and 2024.

According to the report, the Nilgiris and Coimbatore elephant reserves continue to support the highest densities in the state. Within these reserves, six forest divisions - Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Udhagai and Masinagudi ranges), Gudalur, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (Hassanur and Sathyamangalam ranges), Hosur, and Coimbatore harbour a substantial proportion of the population.

Together, these contiguous habitats sustain an estimated 2,450 elephants, accounting for 7080% of Tamil Nadu's total population.