elepahant in nepal

Elephants have long been part of Nepalese culture and tradition and play an important role in religious (mainly Hindu) beliefs. There is a long history of domestication, particularly related to religious use.
Nepal Elephant Population Figures
Elephant Range: 2,500 km² approx
Country Ranking Joint: 10th of 13
Total Wild Elephants: 100 - 170
Country Ranking: 12th of 13
Total Captive Population: 170
Country Ranking: 8th-13th
Source: R Sukumar - A Brief Review of the Status, Distribution and Biology of Wild Asian Elephants Elephas maximus- International Zoo Yearbook 2006
While this information source is considered the very best available, accurate data on wild elephant populations is difficult to obtain and scientifically verifyThe Nepalese government has recognised the importance of elephant conservation and has established five protected reserves and an elephant breeding facility at Khorso


Although small in number, Nepal's elephant population is stable and has long term viability. A forward thinking conservation policy and motivated officials will almost certainly contribute to the maintenance of numbers in the near and medium-term future.