Tamil Nadu’s wild elephant population has increased to 3,170 in 2025, up from 3,063 in the previous count, according to the Elephant Population Estimation-2025 report released by Forests and Khadi Minister R.S. Raja Kannappan. The rise reflects the success of the state’s ongoing conservation initiatives.The survey, conducted as part of Wildlife Week celebrations, covered 26 forest divisions, including tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, territorial forest divisions, and a national park. A total of 2,043 forest personnel and volunteers participated, using block count, line-transect (dung count), and waterhole count methods. The study estimated an elephant density of 0.35 per sq km, with adults accounting for 44% of the population and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.77. Herd sizes ranged from 3 to 16 individuals.
The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve recorded the highest elephant density at 1.35 per sq km (estimated 325 elephants), followed by Gudalur Forest Division and Anamalai Tiger Reserve. The synchronized survey was conducted in coordination with Karnataka to ensure consistent data across shared elephant landscapes.
Minister Raja Kannappan highlighted that the growth in population reflects the state’s science-based wildlife management and community-driven conservation efforts, including habitat restoration, strengthening corridors, conflict mitigation, and using technology to monitor elephant movements. Tamil Nadu has also declared the Agasthyamalai Elephant Reserve and expanded protection across more than 2.8 lakh hectares of elephant habitat.
The report underscores the importance of continued monitoring, corridor restoration, and community partnerships to ensure the long-term survival of wild elephants in the state. The event was attended by senior forest officials, including Srinivas R. Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Chief Wildlife Warden.