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16.2.1. Elephant Corridor


An elephant corridor is defined as a stretch/ narrow strips of forested (or otherwise) land that connects larger habitats with elephant populations and forms a conduit for animal movement between the habitats. This movement helps enhance species survival and birth rate.

There are 88 identified elephant corridors in India.


Out of total 88 corridors, 20 were in south India, 12 in north-western India, 20 in central India, 14 in northern West Bengal and 22 in north-eastern India.

Of the total, 77.3 per cent is regularly used by elephants. About one-third is of ecologically high priority and remaining two third of medium priority.

Fragmentation of elephant habitat was severe in northern West Bengal followed by north-western India, north- eastern India and central India respectively. The least fragmentation was noted in south India.

In south India, 65 per cent of the corridors are in protected area or in reserved forests.


90 per cent in central India are jointly under forest, agriculture and settlements, Only 10 per cent are completely under forest area.

Nationally, only 24 per cent of the corridors are under complete forest cover.