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29 June 2026

Elephant mortality in Kerala

The topic provides specific data and regional context on human-wildlife conflict, which serves as valuable evidence for GS3 questions regarding biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

1 min read Day 1 of 3 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Recent elephant mortality in Kerala, specifically in the Munnar–Parambikulam-Malayattoor forest sector, highlights persistent human-wildlife conflict.
  • Major causes of unnatural elephant deaths include electrocution, use of explosives (often intended for wild boar), and poaching.
  • A study covering 2019-20 to 2024-25 reported 744 wild elephant deaths in Kerala, with 77 attributed to human-induced causes.
  • Electrocution has been identified as the leading unnatural cause of death, with incident rates tripling over the six-year study period.
  • Key mortality hotspots in Kerala include the Munnar, Ranni, Wayanad, Nilambur, and Periyar-Konni landscapes.
  • Human-induced mortality is driven by crop raiding, habitat intrusion, and subsequent human retaliation.
  • Juvenile elephants are increasingly vulnerable to explosive traps set in forest areas.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 3 in Kerala elephant mortality investigation, which has been running since 29 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Analyze the factors contributing to the rising trend of human-induced elephant mortality in Kerala. Discuss the efficacy of current mitigation strategies in addressing human-wildlife conflict in forest-fringe areas. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The increasing frequency of human-wildlife conflict poses a significant challenge to biodiversity conservation in India. With reference to the recent findings on elephant mortality in Kerala, examine the socio-economic drivers of these conflicts and suggest a multi-dimensional approach for sustainable coexistence between human settlements and wildlife habitats. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. According to the study on elephant mortality in Kerala (2019-20 to 2024-25), which of the following has been identified as the leading unnatural cause of death for wild elephants?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-29/elephant-mortality-in-kerala