SHILLONG, March 24: Meghalaya has seen a decline in the elephant population. The number of elephant population in the State has declined by 579. The latest statistics have revealed that the number of elephants in Meghalaya stand at 1,232. However, according to the last census made of elephant population in the State in 2008, the number of pachyderms stood at 1,811. Recently, in his reply in Assembly during question hour, Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong informed that the total population of elephant in the State is 1,232 and out of which, 286 elephants are in Khasi Hills region while 946 are in Garo Hills region. In Meghalaya, most of the pachyderm population is concentrated in the plains of South Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts. Incidents of elephant death due to electrocution and conflict with human beings are also frequently reported.