India's elephant population is critically low (25,000-30,000) and classified as "endangered."
Their habitat range is just 3.5% of its historical size.
Habitat Fragmentation:
A major threat is habitat fragmentation, where elephant habitat is broken into small, isolated pockets by human development.
This limits their movement and breeding options, harming herd health in the long run.
Challenges of Movement:
Female elephants travel vast distances (up to 500 sq km) and fragmented habitats force them to cross roads and railways, increasing accident risks.
Seasonal Migration:
Some elephant populations, like those in Bandipur, Mudumalai, and Wayanad, undertake seasonal migrations for water and food.
Studies have identified 18 elephant corridors between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, highlighting the importance of migration routes.
Wildlife Corridors as a Solution:
Managed wildlife corridors like Motichur-Chilla corridor (in Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand) can enable safe elephant movement between protected areas and maintain genetic diversity.
Human-Elephant Conflict:
Despite the challenges, there is still a risk of conflict with humans when elephants raid crops or damage property during their movements
Train Collisions:
Train accidents are a major threat to elephants.
A Canadian study showed warning systems with lights and bells can be somewhat effective in prompting animals to move away from tracks.
However, their effectiveness is limited on curved tracks with low visibility and by high train speeds.
AI-based Solution (Gajraj System):
Indian Railways uses a new system called Gajraj to reduce train-elephant collisions.
This system uses geophonic sensors on optical fiber cables to detect elephant vibrations.
When elephant vibrations are detected, an AI system alerts train drivers and prompts speed reductions to avoid accidents.
This system is currently operational in Alipurduar, a high-risk area for elephant accidents.
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