Assam: Wild elephant count concludes in Manas National Park, hopeful for population increase

The week-long endeavor to count wild elephants across the state, including the renowned Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reached its conclusion today, February 27. Forest officials from Manas, numbering around 100 undertook the task of elephant counting within the park's expansive boundaries.

Following the directives of divisional authorities, foresters documented elephant sightings through comprehensive forms, employing a block-wise division strategy spanning all ranges of Manas. The collected data will be dispatched to remote analysts for thorough evaluation, subsequently determining the final count of these majestic creatures.

In the 2017 census, Manas National Park recorded 1,034 elephants across its Banbari, Bhuyanpara and Panbari ranges. Optimism permeates the National Park Authority this year, buoyed by the anticipation of a notable increase in the elephant population. This optimism stems from the expanded area covered during the counting process, facilitated by the addition of the new Kuklung range connectivity within Manas.

Meanwhile, amidst Manas' reputation as a tiger sanctuary, the annual tiger census concluded recently with the deployment of camera traps. The recorded data has been dispatched to analysts for comprehensive assessment with the awaited verdict on any increase in the tiger population pending their analysis.