World Elephant Day is a global event observed annually on August 12. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges elephants face, such as habitat loss, ivory poaching, and human-elephant conflicts, and emphasizes the need for enhanced conservation efforts. The initiative was first launched in 2012 by Canadian filmmakers Michael Clark and Patricia Sims, along with the Thailand-based Elephant Reintroduction Foundation. Today, the day plays a vital role in promoting the need for a sustainable environment where these majestic creatures are cared for and not exploited.
Elephants: A Significant Presence in the Ecosystem
The elephant, designated as India’s Natural Heritage Animal, plays an instrumental role in maintaining the balance and health of forest ecosystems. Known for their exceptional intelligence and possessing the largest brain size among land animals, elephants also contribute significantly to vegetation growth. They clear dense vegetation, allowing sunlight to reach new seedlings and further aiding forest regeneration. Besides this, they play a crucial role as important grazers and browsers, spreading seeds as they move, and dig for water during dry periods, providing access to other creatures as well.
The Elephant Population in India
India is home to the most substantial number of wild Asian Elephants, hosting approximately 60% of the species’ global population. According to the 2017 census by Project Elephant, there are an estimated 29,964 elephants in India. The highest number of elephants are in Karnataka, followed by Assam and Kerala. Elephants have been listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species, and their protection is paramount for maintaining biodiversity.
Efforts and Achievements in Elephant Conservation in India
To address the ongoing human-elephant conflict, India has established over 40 elephant corridors and 88 wildlife crossings. Additionally, buffer zones of more than 17,000 sq. km have been created surrounding protected areas. A significant initiative, Project Elephant, was launched in 1992 and now spans 23 states across India. The project has significantly improved the status of wild elephants, leading to a population increase from about 25,000 in 1992 to around 30,000 in 2021.
Elephant Reserves: Safeguarding Elephant Populations and Habitats
To ensure the protection of elephants and their habitats, 33 Elephant Reserves covering approximately 80,777 Sq.km have been established. Rapid response teams are deployed in various states to handle conflict situations, and around 110 critical stretches across the railway network have been identified for implementing eco-friendly measures to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. These efforts include building underpasses, clearing vegetation along the tracks, among others, to prevent collisions.
Community Participation and Empowerment in Elephant Conservation
Community participation is crucial for effective elephant conservation. Various initiatives like the Gaj Yatra program and the Gaj Shilpi initiative encourage people to participate in raising awareness about elephant conservation. Recognition of exemplary efforts through the Gaj Gaurav awards also promotes involvement in this cause. Furthermore, international agreements and protocols play a significant role in maintaining stricter control over the killing of elephants. One such initiative is the Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme by CITES, established in 1997, which aims to provide necessary information for elephant range States to make proper management and enforcement decisions, thereby ensuring long-term management of these elephant populations.
Interesting Facts about Indian Elephants
The herd leader of elephants is usually a female, known as the matriarch. Elephants also possess an impressive gestation period, with pregnancy lasting up to 22 months – the longest known among all mammals. Female elephants between 14 – 45 years old give birth to calves approximately every four years. However, as per the Elephant Census of 2017, Karnataka holds the highest elephant population in India, not Kerala as often mistaken.