Landscape Ecology In Elephant Corridors:
Landscape ecology has become crucial for identifying and restoring elephant corridors effectively, rather than relying solely on expert field knowledge.
- Landscape ecology is the study of the interactions between the temporal (time-related) and spatial (space-related) aspects of a landscape and the organisms within it.
- Landscape ecology became more accurate with the advancements in detecting core areas and corridors are now based on three factors: intensive use of field data; improvement in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and availability of geospatial data and adapted algorithm.
- Elephant Corridors are strips of land that enable elephant movement between two or more friendly habitats.
- The key findings of the Elephant Corridors of India, 2023 Report are as follows:
- The report highlighted a surge of 62 new corridors, marking a 40% increase since 2010, now totalling 150 corridors across the nation.
- West Bengal has the highest number of elephant corridors, totalling 26, constituting 17% of the total corridors.
- The East central region contributes 35% (52 corridors), and the North East region follows as the second-largest with 32% (48 corridors).
- Southern India registered 32 elephant corridors, representing 21% of the total, while northern India has the lowest count of 18 corridors, amounting to 12%.
- Elephants have expanded their ranges in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and southern Maharashtra bordering Karnataka.
