During the survey in each forest division, boundaries of forest division and
ranges were marked on topographic maps of 1:50,000 scale at the
forest division office in consultation with the concerned officials
and by referring to documents such as forest working plans and
topographic maps maintained in the division. To identify elephant
distribution area, we consulted with officials to arrive at a coarselevel
map and subsequently fine-tuned this through field surveys
with a GPS (Global Positioning System) using direct observation of
elephants, or their indirect evidences such as trails and footprints,
dung, and feeding signs. Similarly, to identify elephant corridors,
we first examined natural habitat contiguity and topographic features
on maps, discussed elephant movement with officials, and
subsequently confirmed this in the field using direct sightings or
indirect signs of elephant