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Indian Supreme Court Orders Fresh Survey of Elephant Corridors Amid Habitat Loss
The Supreme Court of India has ordered a fresh survey of elephant corridors, ruling they cannot be blocked over crop damage concerns, as wild elephant populations continue to fall.
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01Supreme Court intervenes on elephant corridors
The Supreme Court of India has stepped in to address the ongoing fragmentation of elephant habitats by ordering a fresh survey of elephant corridors. The court ruled that these crucial migratory pathways cannot be blocked due to concerns over crop damage.
02Threats to wild elephant habitats
Infrastructure development, including roads, railways, mines, and power lines, is increasingly cutting through the corridors that elephants depend on. As their forests disappear, elephants frequently enter agricultural farms in search of food, leading to conflicts with human populations.
India's wild elephant population has declined by 18% since 2017. Estimates for 2025 project the population at 22,446 elephants, down from previous levels as development continues to push the animals out of their natural homes.
Questions
By how much has India's wild elephant population declined?
India's wild elephant population has fallen by 18% since 2017, with a projected estimate of 22,446 elephants for 2025.
What did the Indian Supreme Court rule regarding elephant corridors?
The Supreme Court of India ordered a fresh survey of elephant corridors and ruled that these corridors cannot be blocked over concerns regarding crop damage.
What infrastructure projects are disrupting elephant corridors?
Development projects such as roads, railways, mines, and power lines are cutting through the corridors that wild elephants rely on to move between habitats.