40 per cent elephant corridors report increase in use

Source: The post is based on the article “40 per cent elephant corridors report increase in use”  published in New Indian Express 31st August 2023

What is the News?

Elephant Corridors of India 2023 report has been released.

The report has been prepared by Project Elephant with technical support from the Wildlife Institute of India.

What are Elephant Corridors?

Elephant corridors are linear, narrow, natural habitat linkages that allow elephants to move between secure habitats without being disturbed by humans.

What are the key findings of the Elephant Corridors of India 2023 report?

150 elephant corridors have been identified in 15 elephant-ranging states. 

40% of elephant corridors of India have reported an increase in use by the elephants.

Around 29 corridors – constituting 19% of the total – have recorded a decline in use by the elephants over the years. 

These corridors are primarily affected by encroachment, mining activities, development of linear infrastructure such as roads and railway tracks and other human interventions.

Further, around 10% of the elephant corridors have become impaired over the years.

West Bengal has the highest number (26) of identified elephant corridors in India.

There are six transnational corridors between India and Nepal.

Recommendations: The report has recommended following measures to safeguard corridors.These measures are: Habitat enrichment, accurate demarcation, measures to check human interventions, and legal protection under appropriate laws at the state level.