ELEPHANT CORRIDORS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: An expert has flagged multiple inconsistencies in the recently published report on elephant corridors in India by the central government. Recently, Project Elephant has shifted its focus towards landscape, habitats, and corridors to ensure a sustainable elephant population on viable terrains.

Elephant Corridors

• About: It can be defined as a narrow stretch of land that facilitates the movement of elephants between two or more adjacent habitats that are conducive to their well-being.
• State Wise Distribution: West Bengal takes the lead with 26 corridors, making up 17% of the total.

oEast central India -  52 corridors, The North East region - 48 corridors, Southern India - 32 corridors., and Northern India - 18 corridors.

Project Elephant

• Launched; In 1992 as a centrally sponsored scheme.
• Objectives: (1) To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors, (2) To address issues of man-animal conflict, (3) Welfare of captive elephants.
• It provides: Financial and technical support to major elephant bearing states for protection of elephants, their habitats and corridors. 
• Under the Project, Elephant reserves have been established across states.

Asian Elephant: Conservation in India

• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I 
• CITES: Appendix I
• CMS: Appendix I.