Bhubaneswar: Data compiled by the state wildlife headquarters has revealed the seizure of 117 elephant tusks from various divisions between 2020-21 and February 2025-26, exposing rampant poaching in Odisha.
Seizure Trends Over the Years
The forest department seized 25 tusks in both 2020-21 and 2023-24, while the highest number—29—was recorded in 2024-25. In the current financial year up to February 2025-26, 23 tusks have been seized, compared to nine in 2021-22 and six in 2022-23.
Major Contributing Regions
Wildlife experts and department insiders strongly believe poaching is the primary reason for these seizures. Tribal-dominated Keonjhar district reported 16 seizures, while Baripada division in Mayurbhanj accounted for 14. Similipal Tiger Reserve’s south and north divisions reported four and two tusks respectively, and Karanjia recorded 12 cases.
A senior wildlife officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said regular staff have failed to ensure elephant protection. “Like the Special Tiger Protection Force, a similar dedicated force is needed to curb elephant poaching because poachers are very tough and their methods are quite professional,” he told TOI.
Declining Elephant Population
Wildlife activist Prakash Jena noted that Similipal’s biosphere includes smaller divisions, and rampant poaching explains why so many tusks are found with inhabitants. He cited census data: the 2017 elephant census estimated 330 elephants in Similipal landscape, but the 2024 census recorded only 204—a drastic fall. “Besides poaching, habitat loss, dispersions, and corridor distortions are reasons. But tusks are all related to poaching,” he observed.
Wildlife campaigner Biswajit Mohanty said that if 117 tusks were seized, it could be inferred that at least 58 elephants were poached, as each male elephant possesses two tusks.
