Dehradun: The Uttarakhand forest department on Monday initiated a state-wide elephant population estimation exercise across all elephant-range forest divisions and tiger reserves. The census is being conducted with assistance from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and officials are employing the direct count methodology for the survey. The department last performed a similar exercise using the direct count method six years ago.
Use of M-STrIPES Application
For the first time, field staff will directly input counting-related data into the M-STrIPES (monitoring system for tigers – intensive protection and ecological status) application, according to Saket Badola, Director of Jim Corbett National Park. He emphasized that the integration of information technology in elephant counting will expedite the process while establishing an online database of every elephant present in the state. Based on the previous population estimation, Corbett National Park is home to approximately 1,200 elephants.
Survey Methodology
Koko Rose, Director of Rajaji National Park, explained the direct count method: “The elephant direct count method begins by dividing the study area into different sections or transects. Our teams then systematically examine each section and directly count every elephant sighted. Special care is taken to avoid counting the same herd more than once. The survey will provide useful information about herd size, age composition, and movement patterns.” Rajaji National Park is home to around 352 elephants, according to the 2020 population estimation.
Data Compilation and Expected Outcomes
Officials stated that after the survey concludes on May 30, the data collected from all sections will be compiled by forest teams and WII researchers to estimate the total elephant population in the state. In 2020, the Uttarakhand forest department estimated the state’s elephant population at around 2,026 using the direct count method. In contrast, India’s first DNA-based elephant population assessment estimated Uttarakhand’s elephant population at nearly 1,792. Experts noted that the variation between the two estimates highlights methodological differences in wildlife population assessment and underscores the importance of advanced scientific techniques in improving the accuracy of elephant census data.
