Elephant population rises in Kaziranga

GUWAHATI, April 30? The elephant population in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) has increased to 1007 since the year 1997 as per the latest pachyderm counts carried out in the park during March this year. The director of Kaziranga Park yesterday informed The Assam Tribune that the wildlife protection area has registered an increase in pachyderm population by 62 members over the 1997 census figure of 945. The last elephant census in KNP was carried out during March 17 to 23 this year, and the final count done on March 23 put the number of pachyderms at 1007. During the elephant census this year, the sprawling National Park was divided into 43 blocks and the operation as carried out engaging 200 wildlife staff in the field. Top officials of the Park including the director monitored the operation.