The latest Elephant Census Report 2024, released by the Forest and Environment Department, reveals that the elephant population in Odisha has increased to 2,098, marking a marginal rise of 122 elephants over the past seven years. According to the census, 2,098 elephants were counted across 38 forest divisions in Odisha, including notable regions such as Angul, Athagarh, Dhenkanal, Baripada, Chandaka, Khurda, Bonaik, and Keonjhar. The detailed breakdown of the elephant population includes 313 adult tuskers, 13 adult makhnas (tuskless males), 748 adult females, 148 sub-adult males, 282 sub-adult females, 209 juveniles, and 385 calves.

The previous census conducted in 2017 reported 1,976 elephants, comprising 212 adult tuskers, 10 adult makhnas, 816 adult females, 122 sub-adult males, 276 sub-adult females, 38 of unknown sex, 203 juveniles, and 299 calves. Despite the overall increase, the report highlights a decline in elephant numbers in specific regions such as Similipal North, Similipal South, Balasore Wildlife Division, Rairangpur, Bolangir, Parlakhemundi, and a few other divisions. This decrease is attributed to changes in elephant movement patterns, foraging habits, and land use in the state. Additionally, the report notes significant changes in elephant movement patterns in the Angul, Rourkela, and Baripada circles, indicating an overall shift in habitat utilization and migration routes within Odisha.