The Indian central government has recently identified 62 new elephant corridors, bringing the total number to a significant 150. This increase from the 88 corridors identified in 2010 is crucial for the conservation of India's growing elephant population, which now exceeds 30,000.
The primary aim of these corridors is to ensure the safe movement of elephants across the country. By connecting friendly habitats, these corridors help maintain ecological balance and significantly reduce human-elephant conflicts. Additionally, they counteract habitat fragmentation and destruction, which has limited the use of 19% of existing corridors.
The identification of these corridors was a collaborative effort, with state governments reporting and validating the findings through data-driven methods. This process aims to ensure the long-term viability of elephant habitats while addressing the insufficient data on elephant movement in various states.
In terms of geographical spread, West Bengal leads with 26 corridors. The East Central region commands 35% of the total with 52 corridors, while the North East region accounts for 32%, equivalent to 48 corridors. This distribution highlights the areas most critical for elephant conservation in India.
Elephants have expanded their ranges into regions like Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and northern Andhra Pradesh. This change indicates a shifting landscape for elephant habitats in India, suggesting that adaptation strategies may be necessary for future conservation efforts.
Despite the positive developments, there are concerns regarding 10 corridors that are currently impaired and require restoration to ensure proper elephant movement. The next steps involve prioritizing the restoration of these corridors and enhancing data collection on elephant movements, particularly in northeastern states with smaller elephant populations. This data is essential for informing effective conservation strategies moving forward.
Q1. What is the purpose of the newly identified elephant corridors in India?
Answer: The new elephant corridors aim to facilitate safe movement for India's growing elephant population, reduce human-elephant conflicts, and maintain ecological balance.
Q2. How many elephant corridors were identified in India as of 2023?
Answer: As of 2023, India has identified a total of 150 elephant corridors, including 62 new ones.
Q3. Which region in India has the highest number of elephant corridors?
Answer: West Bengal leads with 26 elephant corridors, making it the region with the highest number of such corridors in India.
Q4. What are the concerns regarding some elephant corridors?
Answer: Concerns revolve around 10 corridors that are impaired and require restoration to facilitate proper elephant movement and conservation efforts.
Q5. Why is data collection important for elephant conservation?
Answer: Data collection is vital for understanding elephant movements, informing conservation strategies, and addressing the challenges faced by elephants in various states.
Question 1: How many elephant corridors were identified in India in 2023?
A) 88
B) 150
C) 62
D) 100
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which state has the highest number of elephant corridors?
A) Madhya Pradesh
B) West Bengal
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Assam
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the main purpose of the elephant corridors?
A) Tourism development
B) Safe movement of elephants
C) Agricultural expansion
D) Urban development
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How much of the existing corridors are limited due to habitat destruction?
A) 10%
B) 5%
C) 19%
D) 25%
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Which region commands 35% of the elephant corridors in India?
A) Southern Region
B) North East Region
C) East Central Region
D) Western Region
Correct Answer: C
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