Karnataka tops nation in elephant numbers, Chamarajanagar leads the way

Karnataka holds India’s largest wild elephant population, with Chamarajanagar hosting over 2,500. Strong conservation measures and reduced human-elephant conflict have boosted numbers, making the district a model for wildlife preservation.

Chamarajanagar: Karnataka has reaffirmed its position as the state with the highest number of wild elephants in the country, with Chamarajanagar district emerging as the crown jewel of elephant conservation.

As the world marks World Elephant Day on August 12, fresh estimates from forest officials highlight the district’s unmatched role in sustaining Asia’s largest land mammal.

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Chamarajanagar, blessed with the largest forest cover in the state, holds the rare distinction of housing two tiger reserves — Bandipur and Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) — along with two major wildlife sanctuaries, Malai Mahadeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Its rich, contiguous forest belt has made it a natural haven for both tigers and elephants.

According to the 2023 elephant census, Karnataka was home to 6,395 elephants, with Chamarajanagar district alone accounting for over 2,500 of them. The breakdown of the census revealed 1,116 elephants in Bandipur, 619 in BRT, 706 in Malai Mahadeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, and 236 in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Forest department sources now suggest these numbers have risen significantly in the past two years.

Recent estimates put the Bandipur elephant population at over 1,500, while Mahadeshwar, Cauvery, and BRT together are believed to hold around 1,800 elephants. While the official 2025 census report is awaited, field observations indicate a healthy upward trend in elephant numbers across the state.

Officials attribute this success to sustained conservation efforts and a strong partnership with local communities. Measures to reduce human-elephant conflict — such as the installation of solar-powered fencing, creation of elephant-proof trenches, and construction of railway barricades — have played a key role in protecting both elephants and human settlements. These interventions have reduced habitat intrusion, allowing herds to move freely within forest corridors.

The state’s conservation approach also benefits from the dedication of frontline forest staff, who patrol vast forest areas, monitor elephant movement, and work on habitat enrichment. Their efforts have simultaneously contributed to an increase in tiger numbers in the region, reflecting the overall health of the ecosystem.

With Karnataka continuing to lead the country in elephant conservation, Chamarajanagar’s thriving herds stand as a testament to the effectiveness of long-term wildlife protection strategies. As World Elephant Day draws attention to the importance of these gentle giants, the district serves as a model for balancing ecological preservation with human coexistence — ensuring that elephants remain a proud symbol of Karnataka’s natural heritage.

-BY INDU SHEKAR