Scientific Name

Elephas maximus

Subspecies

1. Indian Elephant

2. Sumatran Elephant

3. Sri Lankan Elephant

Population

Less than 50,000 individuals left, with divided populations across 13 countries.

Habitat

Grasslands, scrublands, evergreen & deciduous forests.

Size and Appearance

Asian Elephants are smaller than their African Elephants. They also have smaller ears compared to African elephants.

Ecological Importance

Important for forest health & wildlife.

They Create forest clearings for regeneration & digs for water which benefits other wildlife as well.

Protection Status

IUCN Red List: Endangered.

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection).

CITES: Appendix I (International trade ban).

Conservation Initiatives

Project Elephant is focusing on protecting elephants & their habitats.

The program was launched in 1992 by the Government of India.

Reserves

There are total 33 Elephant Reserves in 14 states.

Highest populations in Karnataka, Assam & Kerala.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: UPSC 2020 PYQ

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

●Statement 1 is correct: The leader of an elephant group is the oldest and largest female, known as the matriarch.

●Statement 2 is correct: The maximum gestation period for Indian elephants is 22 months, making it one of the longest among mammals.

●Statement 3 is incorrect: Female elephants can continue to calve well into their 40s or even 50s.

●Statement 4 is incorrect: While Kerala has a significant elephant population, the highest elephant population in India is found in Karnataka, not Kerala.