Mysuru, Aug. 12 -- Chamarajanagar reported 134 deaths, Kodagu 126 deaths, Mysuru records 51

Today, Aug. 12, World Elephant Day, throws a harsh light on the growing crisis facing Asian elephants.

In Karnataka - home to the largest elephant population in India - over 380 jumbos have died in the past five years, with more than 64 deaths attributed to unnatural causes. Disturbingly, electrocution alone has claimed 50 of these lives.

Forest Department data from 2021 to 2025 shows that the State's prime elephant belt - Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru - has lost 311 elephants. Chamarajanagar recorded the highest toll at 134, followed by Kodagu with 126 and Mysuru with 51.

While most deaths were due to natural causes, nearly one in eight e...