Census ends with sighting of 23 elephants in Hassan dist

In the elephant census carried out five years back, district was home to 22 elephants

The district is home for 23 jumbos, according to the elephant census which came to an end in the district on Thursday, said deputy conservator of forests Lakshman.

He said three elephants had moved into forests in Kodagu district, but these would be counted as belonging to Hassan. In the elephant census carried out five years back, the district was home to 22 elephants.

The elephant census was carried out based on three scientific models. The first day witnessed total counting method being carried out. A team with GPS facility uploaded the count of elephants. each team took out the census from 6 am to 6 pm across a forest area of 500 hectare. Interested volunteers were also given an opportunity to participate in the census.

Yalasur region saw 19 elephants being identified. Of these three have migrated to Kodagu. Three elephants were sighted in Alur.

On the second day, ‘transact’ method was used. A four-member team walked for two km and counted the elephants based on the dung. Finally, an average of both methods was considered.

On the third day ‘Waterhole’ method was taken up. The count was taken up based on elephants coming to drink water. During this time, the sex, age and details about the elephant was collected.

A few jumbos from Yalasur, have been found to migrate towards Alur on several occasions.

While the jumbo census said 23 elephants were identified, sources had earlier estimated the count to be 39.

The confusion has been caused as elephant census was carried out only in areas belonging to the forest department. Elephants, which had ventured into private farms have been unaccounted for.

Forest officials said elephants are seen near Yalasur and Kempuhole.