Bhubaneswar, Aug. 12 -- Odisha, home to 2,103 elephants as per the latest census finding, recorded 84 elephant deaths in 2025-26, raising fresh concerns over the protection of its elephant population amid allegations that some of the fatalities were concealed or improperly recorded.
The disturbing issue assumes significance on World Elephant Day, with the Wildlife Society of Orissa (WSO) seeking an independent review of elephant deaths and greater accountability wherever lapses in protection or investigation are established.
According to the November 2024 elephant census, Odisha has 2,103 elephants.
However, the State continues to report elephant deaths from unnatural causes, with electrocution, train hits and poaching among the major th...