World Elephant Day 2026: Elephant population increasing in Madhya Pradesh; why Bandhavgarh became their preferred home?

The presence of elephants in the forests of Madhya Pradesh is steadily increasing. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, globally renowned for its tigers, is now emerging as a favorable habitat for elephants as well. The elephant population here is flourishing. 

It is estimated that around 50 to 70 wild elephants are currently present within the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and its surrounding landscape. Meanwhile, a herd of approximately 25 elephants has been residing in the western Beohari region of Shahdol district for the past year and a half.

Regular Presence Since 2018

Anupam Sahay, Field Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, stated that the regular presence of elephants in the reserve was clearly recorded in October 2018. The elephants arrived here from the Sanjay Gandhi Tiger Reserve via the Bandhavgarh landscape corridor. Since then, their numbers and their range of movement have gradually expanded.

The elephants are primarily observed roaming in the Khitauli, Panpatha Core, Tala, and Kallawah areas. They do not remain confined to a single area but move across different regions based on their needs for food, water, and other resources. Consequently, it is difficult to determine a fixed number of elephants for any specific range, necessitating regular monitoring.

Food, Water, and a Safe Environment: Key Attractions

Bandhavgarh’s vast, natural, and secure forest landscape offers favorable conditions for elephants. The reserve provides ample food and water across different seasons, along with grasslands, bamboo groves, Sal and mixed forests, and other natural vegetation. A safe environment and relatively low human interference make it an ideal habitat for them.

The growing presence of elephants has added a new dimension of attraction to wildlife tourism in Bandhavgarh. Witnessing herds of elephants roaming freely in the wild—along with their calves and natural social behaviors—offers a thrilling experience for tourists. 

Monitoring through Technology and Scientific Methods

To strengthen elephant conservation and human-elephant coexistence in Bandhavgarh, the management has adopted technology, scientific studies, community participation, and regular monitoring. A specialized 'Gajrakshak' app is being used to track elephant locations and movements and to issue alerts.

Hathi Mitra Dals formed

'Hathi Mitra Dals' (Elephant Friend Groups) have been formed to ensure local community participation. Additionally, the elephants' activities and ranging patterns are being studied through radio-collaring and scientific monitoring.

A monitoring system operates through an Elephant Control Room to facilitate the rapid exchange of information and prompt action regarding the elephants. 

A Herd of 25 Elephants in the Beohari Area

According to Mrs. Taruna Verma, DFO of the Shahdol North Forest Division, elephant movement in the Shahdol region has a historical precedent. In recent years, elephant movement into the Shahdol area was recorded around 2005. A herd arrived in 2018 and subsequently settled permanently within the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Currently, a herd of approximately 25 elephants has been residing in the western Beohari area of ​​the Shahdol North Forest Division for about a year and a half. This region offers favorable conditions for the elephants. The availability of ample water in the Bansagar backwaters, sparse human settlements, minimal human interference, and abundant food in the bamboo forests provide a safe and suitable environment for the herd. 

State Becomes a Permanent Habitat for Elephants After Nearly a Century

According to the 'Status of Elephants in India (2021-25)' report, the total number of wild elephants recorded in Madhya Pradesh is 97. This report is based on the country's first DNA-based elephant census, released by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Project Elephant.

Historically, the region of Madhya Pradesh has been a significant habitat for elephants. Records indicate the presence of a large elephant population here until the 16th and 17th centuries. However, due to hunting, deforestation, and increasing human interference, the elephant population in Madhya Pradesh had dropped to zero by 1925. Now, after nearly a century, elephants have arrived in Madhya Pradesh from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand, establishing habitats in the state's suitable forest areas.

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