The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is a majestic species facing significant conservation challenges. Recognizing this critical need, the Government of India (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with State Forest Departments, has established designated areas known as Elephant Reserves. These reserves prioritize the protection of elephant habitats and aim to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic species.
Established in 2002, Wayanad, Nilambur, Anamudi and Periyar are the four Elephant Reserves in Kerala. They encompass vast areas of forest, ranging from 1200 square kilometers to a significant 3742 square kilometers, highlighting the state’s commitment to elephant conservation.
Elephant Reserves of Kerala
| Sl No | Name of the Elephant Reserve | Districts covered | Extent of E.R
(sq.km) |
Present legal status | Co-ordinator | Population of elephants | ||||||
| 2005 | 2007 | 2010 | 2012 | 2017 | 2023 | |||||||
| PA | RF | |||||||||||
| 1 | Wayanad | Wayanad, Kannur, Kozhikkode | 1200 | 394.4 | 805.6 | Chief Conservator of Forests (WL), Palakkad | 882 | 1240 | 1483 | 1155 | ||
| 2 | Nilambur | Malappuram, Kozhikkode, Palakkad | 1419 | 89.52 | 1329.48 | Conservator of Forests, Eastern Circle, Olavakkode | 334 | 663 | 647 | 1044 | ||
| 3 | Anamudi | Thrissur, Palakkad, Ernakulum, Idukki | 3728 | 780 | 2948 | Conservator of Forests, Central Circle, Thrissur | 2299 | 2505 | 2086 | 2220 | ||
| 4 | Periyar | Idukki, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvananthapuram | 3742 | 1058 | 2684 | Field Director (Project Tiger), Kottayam | 1620 | 1660 | 1810 | 1758 | ||
| STATE TOTAL | 10089 | 5135 | 6068 | 6026 | 6177 | |||||||
Elephant reserves across the Country
Number and Distribution: Currently, 33 Elephant Reserves are operational across 14 major elephant range states in India. These protected areas encompass a total of 80,777.778 square kilometers. Notably, three new reserves – Lemru (Chhattisgarh), Agasthyamalai (Tamil Nadu) and Terai (Uttar Pradesh) – were established in the last two years, covering an additional 6,265.319 square kilometers.
Formation and Significance: Elephant Reserves are notified after approval from a steering committee chaired by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. These designated areas often overlap with existing protected areas like Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Reserved Forests, leveraging the established legal framework provided by the Wild Life Protection Act (1972), the Indian Forest Act (1927) and other relevant state laws. This collaborative approach strengthens conservation efforts and ensures stricter regulations on activities like infrastructure development projects within the reserves.
The designation of Elephant Reserves signifies their critical role as the primary management units for elephant conservation and habitat management. By establishing these protected areas, the government aims to:
- Safeguard crucial elephant corridors: 150 elephant corridors have been identified and validated across 15 states. These corridors are essential for elephant movement and maintaining connectivity between fragmented habitats.
- Reduce human-wildlife conflict: By providing protected areas for elephants, the potential for conflict with human settlements and agricultural activities is significantly reduced.
- Promote focused conservation efforts: Elephant Reserves serve as a platform for concentrated conservation initiatives including research, anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration programs.