(a) the findings of the latest census of wild elephants and tigers in the country conducted by the Government;
(b) whether there has been an increase or decrease in the numbers when compared to the previous census and if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to protect the lives of wild animals in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR):
(a) to (c) The last census (population estimation) of wild elephants in the country was conducted during 2012, by the States. The details of elephant estimation for the years 2007 and 2012 are at Annexure-I. The findings of tiger census (population estimation) for the year 2006 and 2010 are at Annexure-II. The country level population of elephants and tigers show an increasing trend, when compared to last estimations. Various measures and steps have been taken up by the Government for protecting the lives of wild animals in the country including enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and rules thereunder. More than 1,60,000 Sq. km. of forests have been notified as protected areas. These include 102 National Parks, 517 Sanctuaries, 47 Conservation Reserves and 4 Community Reserves. 30 National Parks and 42 Wildlife Sanctuaries have been taken up for tiger conservation as 44 Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger, wherein, States are provided central funds for conservation of tiger habitats. The Government of India also provides assistance to the States through the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Project Elephant’ and ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ for conservation and protection of wild animals in the country.