Bhubaneswar, Nov 26: As many as 40 elephants, five leopards and 200 other wildlife species died in Odisha in around five months from July, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed in the State Assembly on Tuesday.

Replying to a written question by BJD member Tushar Kanti Behera in the assembly, Minister Khuntia said altogether 40 elephants, five leopards and 200 other wildlife species died in the State between July 1 and November 20 this year.

At least 26 people have been arrested in connection with the elephant deaths, and two forest guards and a forester have been placed under suspension for dereliction of duties, the Minister said.

Fourteen people were arrested in case of leopard deaths, he said.

Khuntia also informed the House that special initiatives such as upgradation of habitats, tree plantation, creation of artificial water bodies, safety from wildfire, anti-poaching camps, bird protection camps, forest patrolling, monitoring movements of wild animals, anti-poaching squad deployment and public awareness are being undertaken to prevent elephant and leopard fatalities in the state.

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