Bhubaneswar: Odisha is home to over 2,100 elephants, according to the latest Elephant Census conducted in November 2024, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informed the state assembly on Tuesday.
In a written reply to a question by Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud, Minister Singhkhuntia shared district-wise figures from the census. Angul district, which includes Angul, Athmallik, Satkosia Wildlife, and Deogarh forest divisions, has 254 elephants. Cuttack district forest divisions host 132 elephants, Khurda has 83, Dhenkanal 291, Mayurbhanj 295, Sambalpur 140, and Sundergarh 179 elephants. Other districts also contribute to the total count, bringing the state’s population to 2,103.
The minister clarified that not all wildlife in Odisha is officially counted. Only Mugger crocodiles, Saltwater crocodiles, Gharial crocodiles, Blackbucks, and Elephants are included in formal counts. Populations of Olive Ridley sea turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, Tigers, and migratory birds are estimated rather than officially enumerated.
