A total of 40 elephants, five leopards, and 200 other wildlife species have died in Odisha between July and November 2024, the state assembly was informed on Tuesday.

Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia provided the figures in response to a query raised by BJD MLA Tushar Kanti Behera. The minister also stated that departmental inquiries have been conducted into the deaths of elephants and leopards, with investigations ongoing.

The alarming figures highlight the vulnerability of wildlife in the state, especially during the monsoon season when such fatalities are more common.