The number might be lower following the findings of two dead elephants lately due to poaching activities, Sugiyo of the WCSI stated here, Sunday.
The elephants were killed by poachers for their ivory and teeth.
Based on surveys conducted by the NGO, the population of elephants in the park was 220 in 2002 and 247 in 2010.
A DNA test in 2015 revealed that the number of female elephants in the park was six times higher than male elephants.
"It is possible that the population may or may not have decreased since we have not conducted a new survey," he said.
TNWKs spokesman Sukatmoko stated that the park managements estimation of the elephant population was similar to that of the WCSI.
"We also conducted surveys. It was recorded that the elephant population was 250 in 2010 and 225 in 2002," he noted.
A new survey is needed to find the exact population of elephants in the TNWK.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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