Elephant reserves in India are designated and managed under the framework of Project Elephant, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 1992.While Project Elephant provides the framework for elephant conservation, it’s crucial to understand that Elephant Reserves in India are not explicitly recognized under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
These Elephant Reserves overlap with Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Reserved Forests which are protected under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Indian Forest Act, 1927 and other local State Acts.
Ensures survival of a keystone and flagship species under threat from habitat loss, fragmentation, and conflict.
Provides landscape-level conservation, aiding ecosystem health and resilience.
Facilitates ecological research, community collaboration, and welfare interventions.
Reduces human–elephant conflicts and supports villagers through mitigation strategies.
Sl.No. | Elephant Reserve (ER) | State | Total Area (Sq. Km) |
Mayurjharna ER | West Bengal | 414 | |
Singhbhum ER | Jharkhand | 13440 | |
Mayurbhanj ER | Odisha | 3214 | |
Mahanadi ER | Odisha | 1038 | |
Sambalpur ER | Odisha | 427 | |
Badalkhol-Tamorpingla | Chhattisgarh | 1143.34 | |
Lemru Elephant Reserve | Chhattisgarh | 1995.48 | |
Kameng ER | Arunachal Pradesh | 1892 | |
Sonitpur ER | Assam | 1420 | |
Dihing-Patkai ER | Assam | 937 | |
South Arunachal ER | Arunachal Pradesh | 1957.50 | |
Kaziranga – Karbi Anglong ER | Assam | 3270 | |
Dhansiri-Lungding ER | Assam | 2740 | |
Intanki ER | Nagaland | 202 | |
Singphan ER | Nagaland | 23.57 | |
Chirang-Ripu ER | Assam | 2600 | |
Eastern Dooars ER | West Bengal | 978 | |
Garo Hills ER | Meghalaya | 3,500 | |
Mysore ER | Karnataka | 8055.94 | |
Dandeli ER | Karnataka | 2321.11 | |
Wayanad ER | Kerala | 1200 | |
Nilgiri ER | Tamil Nadu | 4663 | |
Rayala ER | Andhra Pradesh | 766 | |
Nilambur ER | Kerala | 1419 | |
Coimbatore ER | Tamil Nadu | 566 | |
Anamalai ER | Tamil Nadu | 1457 | |
Anamudi ER | Kerala | 3728 | |
Agasthyamalai ER | Tamil Nadu | 1197.48 | |
Periyar | Kerala | 3742 | |
Srivilliputtur ER | Tamil Nadu | 1249 | |
Shivalik ER | Uttarakhand | 5405 | |
Uttar Pradesh ER | Uttar Pradesh | 744 | |
Terai ER | Uttar Pradesh | 3072.358 | |
TOTAL | 80,777.778 | ||
Elephant Reserves play a pivotal role in ensuring the survival and well-being of Asian elephants in India. As keystone and umbrella species, elephants are vital to maintaining ecological balance in forest ecosystems. Despite lacking statutory protection like national parks or tiger reserves, elephant reserves contribute significantly to wildlife conservation, especially by securing migratory corridors and addressing human-elephant conflict. Strengthening their legal status, improving community participation, and adopting science-backed conservation strategies are essential to safeguard these gentle giants and the biodiversity they support.
1. What are Elephant Reserves in India?
Areas designated under Project Elephant to protect wild Asian elephant populations, their habitats, and migratory corridors, often overlapping with protected areas like national parks and sanctuaries.
2. How many Elephant Reserves exist and which states do they span?
India currently has 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 major elephant-range states, covering over 80,000 km².
3. When and why was Project Elephant launched?
Launched in 1992 by the Government of India to ensure long-term conservation of elephants through habitat protection, corridor restoration, conflict mitigation, and population welfare.
4. Highlight the main objectives of Project Elephant.
Protecting wild populations, conserving elephant corridors and habitats, promoting scientific management, addressing human–elephant conflict, and supporting welfare of captive/domestic elephants.
5. Which was the first official Elephant Reserve in India?
The Singhbhum Elephant Reserve in Jharkhand, established under Project Elephant in the early 2000s.
6. Can you name some notable Elephant Reserves?
For example: Mysore Elephant Reserve (Karnataka), Asan (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga‑Karbi Anglong (Assam), Garo Hills (Meghalaya). Each plays a key role in habitat conservation and eco‑tourism.
7. How do Elephant Reserves help mitigate human–elephant conflict?
Through measures like corridor restoration, early warning systems (radio‑collars), Gaja Mitra rapid response teams, habitat enrichment, and community outreach.
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