The Role of Elephant Corridors in Wildlife Preservation

1. What is an elephant corridor?

An elephant corridor is a narrow strip of natural habitat that connects larger forested areas, allowing elephants to travel safely between them. These paths are vital for migration, feeding, breeding, and reducing human-elephant conflict.

2. Why are elephant corridors important?

• Allow elephants to access food, water, and mates.
• Help reduce animal deaths due to roads or rail tracks.
• Prevent isolation of elephant groups.
• Enable genetic mixing between herds.
• Reduce conflicts with humans in villages and farmlands.

3. How many elephant corridors are there in India?

There are around 150 corridors, out of which only 40% are protected by forest departments.

4. Which states have the highest number of corridors?

• West Bengal – 26 (mostly around Dooars and Jalpaiguri)
• Tamil Nadu – 18
• Jharkhand – 17
• Odisha – 14
• Assam – 12
• Uttarakhand – 10 to 11

5. Can you give examples of important elephant corridors?

• Nilgiri Biosphere (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka)
• Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong (Assam)
• Wayanad Corridor (Kerala)
• Terai Arc (Uttarakhand to Nepal border)

6. Do these corridors cross human areas?

Yes, many corridors pass through villages, tea estates, and farmlands. In states like Assam and Kerala, villagers often leave paths open for elephants for mutual safety.

7. What is an example of an elephant corridor helping reduce conflict?

• In Rajaji to Corbett corridor (Uttarakhand), underpasses and speed restrictions were introduced to protect elephants crossing highways.
• In the Edavayal–Doddasampige corridor (Karnataka), a wildlife passage through a coffee estate helps elephants pass peacefully without conflict.

8. What about international corridors?

The Indo-Nepal corridor allows elephants to move between India and Nepal. These cross-border routes are essential for migratory herds.

9. Are elephants using corridors traditionally?

Yes. Some of these paths have been used for centuries, even before roads or buildings existed.

10. How are local people involved in conservation?

In Jalpaiguri (West Bengal), a school near a corridor allows students to observe elephants and learn about conservation. Teachers use this for education on peaceful coexistence.