What is the increase in the number of elephants in Karnataka from the last census conducted in 2017, and which tiger reserve has the highest elephant density in the state?

Minister for Forests Eshwar Khandre releases a report ahead of World Elephant Day to raise awareness about endangered species. Elephant population in Karnataka increases by 346, reaching 6,395 in 2023. Synchronised census conducted in collaboration with neighboring states.  Average elephant density in Karnataka: 0.34 per sq km. Bandipur Tiger Reserve has the highest density: 0.96 per sq km with 1,116 elephants. Nagarahole Tiger Reserve: 831 elephants, density 0.93. BRT Tiger Reserve: 619 elephants, density 0.69. MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: 706 elephants, density 0.60. Census involved 3,400+ personnel from 32 forest divisions. Elephant numbers on the rise