Elephant Census & Corridors
Scientific Census: The DNA-based estimation
The latest elephant population assessment in Meghalaya was conducted under the Synchronous All India Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) 2021–2025, using an advanced DNA-based Genetic Capture–Recapture Method. This non-invasive scientific technique identifies individual elephants through DNA extracted from dung samples collected across forest habitats. By analysing unique genetic profiles and applying Spatially Explicit Capture–Recapture (SECR) modelling, researchers estimate elephant population density while accounting for animals that may not be detected during surveys.
Key Features of the Scientific Method
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01
Non-invasive DNA SamplingFresh elephant dung samples are collected without capturing or disturbing the animals.
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02
Genetic IdentificationDNA analysis distinguishes individual elephants and helps prevent duplicate counting.
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03
Population ModellingSpatial capture–recapture analysis estimates population density and accounts for detection probability.
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04
Habitat AssessmentForest surveys and environmental data support estimates across elephant habitats.
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05
Scientific BaselineEstablishes a new benchmark for future elephant population monitoring and conservation planning.
How DNA-based elephant counting works
- 01
Forest Survey
Identify elephant habitats and collect fresh dung samples
- 02
DNA Analysis
Extract DNA and identify unique genetic profiles
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Genetic Recapture
Recognise repeated samples from the same elephant
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Statistical Estimation
Estimate the total population using spatial modelling
- 05
677 - Estimated Wild Elephants in Meghalaya
2021–2025 assessment, published October 2025
The Elephant Corridors
Balpakram – Baghmara Corridor
Identified as a high-priority corridor by the Wildlife Trust of India also by Department. Steps are actively initiated by the Forests & Environment Department to acquire community lands to guarantee absolute safe passage to herds.
Community Reserves notified in the Elephant Corridors
| Name of Corridor | Name of Community Reserve | District |
|---|---|---|
| Umsum CR-Balpakram NP | - Umsum Community Reserve - Lumkohkriah Community Reserve | South West Khasi Hills |
| Baghmara-Balpakram | - Dambuk Attong Community Reserve - Halwa Ambeng Community Reserve - Dambuk Jongkol Community Reserve | South Garo Hills |
| Siju – Rewak | - Siju Sonowa Community - Rewak Daburam Community Reserve | South Garo Hills |
| Rewak – Emangre | - Choklokgittim Community Reserve | South Garo Hills |
| Nokrek-Emangre | - Rongma Rekmangre Community Reserve - Rongma Paromgre Community Reserve | South Garo Hills |
Indo-Bangladesh Trans-Boundary Collaboration
Elephant migration corridors stretch across borders.
Wild elephant herds regularly migrate between the Garo Hills of Meghalaya and Sherpur/Jamalpur districts of Bangladesh. Coordinated conservation agreements secure their safe boundary passage.
Held on 19-20th August 2015. Initiated initial dialogues on cross-border elephant migration and formulated points of action on trans-boundary forest corridor security.
Initial dialogue established successfully.
Action taken/Proposed to be taken for Conservation of Corridors
The Department is currently in the process of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for promoting eco-tourism in the elephant corridors and also mitigate human-elephant conflict in and around the corridors.
Action taken/being taken to conserve the corridors:
- Declaration of Community Reserves in the corridors.
- Conducting awareness campaign in the villages falling in the corridors and fringe villages on wildlife conservation.
- Mitigation of human-elephant conflict.
Future Course of action:
- Preparation and Implementation of a Management Plan in the identified elephant corridors.
- Creation of animal Transit along the corridors.
- Declaration, demarcation and legal protection of the corridor under various laws.
- Preventing the villagers from further forest destruction for monoculture plantation.
- Checking and Prohibiting the destructive developmental activities in the area.
- Prevention of potential mining of the area for coal. Regulate coal mining around the corridor area.
- Exploring the possibility of establishing more Community Reserves in the corridors.
- Prevent large-scale coal and limestone mining in fringe areas and have mining regulated by the District Council.
- Provide eco-development support to the villagers to reduce their dependence on the corridor forest, especially for fuelwood collection.
- Prevent the expansion of settlements as well as jhumming in the corridor area. Terrace cultivation could be taken up on a pilot basis as a substitute for slash and burn cultivation.
- Prevent new constructions in the corridor areas.
- Regulate plantation and cultivation in the corridor area.