A study is currently being undertaken in the Northern Plains to collect DNA from the elephants to enable an estimation of the size of the elephant population in the landscape. This will be completed in 2010, and follows the same model that was implemented successfully in the Seima Protection Forest.
A preliminary survey has been implemented to find the most important sites for elephants in the Northern Plains. Consultations were conducted with the local community to find recent records of elephants during the dry season in March and April 2009. Surveys to find elephant tracks and dung were implemented during the same period. This data was then mapped with records from previous dry seasons and with mineral licks known to be used by wildlife. The resulting map which includes 27 key sites or hotspots will be used as the focus for the study in early 2010.