In Karnataka, a major excercise of elephant census has been kicked off. The census exercise has been started simultaneously across all protected areas and forests identified to harbour elephant population, will begin with a study of the elephant distribution map across Karnataka.<br/> '<br/>The Mysore Elephant Reserve, spread across Bhadra-Nagarahole-Bandipur-BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Reserve, and Bannerghatta, covering more than 11,000 sq km harbours most of the elephants in the State. <br/> '<br/>The previous census in 2012 pegged the State elephant population at 6,072 with Bandipur and Nagarahole accounting for nearly 1,500 elephants each.'The elephant census is conducted every five years. <br/>This is part of a nationwide elephant census, which is being conducted to minimise possible errors. The census is being organized in 15 States simultaneously.