Project Elephant

Project Elephant : Recently, in a significant move for elephant conservation, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change convened the 21st Steering Committee meeting of Project Elephant in Dehradun.

o A key highlight was the completion of Phase-I of the synchronized elephant population estimation across the Northeastern states.

• Key Highlights : Over 16,500 elephant dung samples were collected during Phase-I of the synchronized population estimation in Northeastern states.

o As of June 2025, 1,911 captive elephants across 22 states have been DNA profiled.

o The initiative supports transparency in ownership, curbs illegal trade, and improves elephant healthcare.

o The government has approved the inclusion of sloth bear and gharial under the Species Recovery Programme of the Environment Ministry.

• About Project Elephant : Launched in 1992 by the Government of India, a flagship conservation initiative aimed at protecting India's wild elephants and their natural habitats.

o Objectives: Support states in conserving wild elephants and ensuring their long-term survival in natural habitats.

ü Develop strategies to reduce human-elephant conflicts, especially in vulnerable regions.

ü Promote research, monitoring, and planned conservation for effective elephant management.