Over 1,300 jumbos died due to unnatural causes ranging from electrocution to poisoning in 14 years: RTI data

Over 1,300 Asian elephants in India have died between 2009 and 2023 due to unnatural causes, including electrocution, poisoning, poaching, and train accidents. Electrocution was the leading cause of death, with 898 cases recorded. In 2022-23 alone, 100 elephants died from electrocution, the highest number to date. Wildlife experts are calling for legal protection for India’s elephant reserves, as they face increasing anthropogenic pressures from roads, railways, and agricultural activities. They also urge the government to address low-hanging power lines and electric fences that pose a threat to elephants.