Bhubaneswar, Mar 31: A total of 264 elephants have died in Odisha over the past three years, with an equal number of deaths attributed to natural and unnatural causes, the state Assembly was informed.

Minister of State for Forest, Environment & Climate Change Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia shared the data while replying to a question raised by MLA Padma Lochan Panda. According to the Minister, 132 elephants died due to natural causes such as disease, ageing, and habitat-related factors, while the remaining 132 deaths were classified as unnatural, including incidents like poaching, electrocution, train accidents, and human-wildlife conflict.

The figures highlight growing concerns over wildlife conservation and the increasing risks faced by elephants in the state.

In addition to elephant fatalities, the Minister informed the Assembly that 4 tigers and 25 leopards have also died during the same period. Furthermore, a total of 1,426 other wild animals lost their lives, of which 447 deaths were attributed to poaching.

The data underscores the urgent need for strengthened conservation measures, improved habitat protection, and stricter enforcement against illegal hunting to safeguard Odisha’s rich biodiversity.

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