Published: 17 October 2025WII / ISROGeneral
India's Elephant Census 2025: DNA-Based SAIEE Puts Population at 22,446
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) released the results of the Synchronous All India Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) 2021-25 in October 2025 — India's first-ever DNA-based elephant census. The total population was estimated at 22,446 elephants across four landscapes, down from the 29,964 estimated in the 2017 census which used visual observation methods.
Researchers collected 21,056 dung samples from elephant habitats and used DNA fingerprinting to identify individual animals. The Western Ghats hold the largest population (11,934 elephants, 53.17%). Karnataka leads with 6,013, followed by Assam (4,159) and Tamil Nadu (3,136). Notable declines were recorded in Jharkhand (-68%) and Odisha (-54%), while Chhattisgarh showed a remarkable increase of 82.6%. Experts cautioned against direct comparison with older census data due to the fundamentally different methodology.
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Q: Discuss the methodology and conservation significance of India's first DNA-based elephant census (SAIEE 2021-25).
Answer (50 words):
The Wildlife Institute of India released SAIEE 2021-25 in October 2025, India's first-ever DNA-based elephant census, estimating 22,446 elephants from 21,056 dung samples across four landscapes. The Western Ghats hold 53.17% (11,934). Karnataka leads with 6,013, followed by Assam (4,159) and Tamil Nadu (3,136). Jharkhand and Odisha showed sharp declines.
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Frequently asked questions
What elephant census results did WII release in October 2025?
The Wildlife Institute of India released the results of the Synchronous All India Elephant Estimation 2021-25. It was India's first-ever DNA-based elephant census.
What population did SAIEE estimate, and how did it compare with the 2017 census?
SAIEE estimated 22,446 elephants across four landscapes, down from 29,964 estimated in the 2017 census. The 2017 census used visual observation methods.
How did researchers identify individual elephants in the 2021-25 estimation?
Researchers collected 21,056 dung samples from elephant habitats and used DNA fingerprinting to identify individual animals.
Which landscapes and states stood out in the elephant estimate?
The Western Ghats held the largest population with 11,934 elephants, or 53.17%. Karnataka led with 6,013 elephants, followed by Assam with 4,159 and Tamil Nadu with 3,136.
