Current Population Status of Asian Elephant in Keonjhar Wildlife Division, Odisha

The Population of Wild elephants (Elephas maximus) is declining worldwide; therefore understanding the dynamics remaining population critical for effective conservation. We monitored and distribution in Keonjhar wildlife division during 2015 2017. Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) facing a severe threat to its survival from large scale habitat losing degradation, negative interaction between human poaching across range. India holds by far largest number wild elephants, estimate as about 60% species. Elephas maximus placed schedule 1 part Indian protection Act (1972) conferring highest level protection. Most sightings were recorded near water bodies, foot paths & salt licks. During census period 2017 total 49 sighted out which 25 Hadgarh, 15 Deogaon, 9 Brahmanipal Range. Simillarly 51 counts hadgarh, 16 Dogaon, Range It was found that adult cow high (43%) followed calf (21%), bull (16%), sub (6%) juvenile (4%). (33.33%) sub-adult (19.60%), (17.64%), (13.72%), (11.76%), adult/sub-adult U/K (1.96%) (1.96%).