World Elephant Day 2025: Protecting and honouring the majestic genius of Nature

It is a known fact that with the increase of population, the elephant habitats are shrinking. As a result a number of times these iconic animals enter the human settlements in search of food. Under such situation elephants usually face physical as well mental damage to them after the conflict with human populations.

New Delhi: World Elephant Day is observed on 12 August every year for the preservation and protection of elephants. At the same time this Day is the reminder to all of us to minimise the growing issue of human-elephant conflict, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

The elephant is perhaps one of the most majestic and iconic animals on earth. The elephants contribute a lot in maintaining the ecological balance in nature.

Elephant-Human Conflict

It is a known fact that with the increase of population, the elephant habitats are shrinking. As a result a number of times these iconic animals enter the human settlements in search of food. Under such situation elephants usually face physical as well mental damage to them after the conflict with human populations.

World Elephant Day: Backgrounder

For the first time the World Elephant Day was observed on 12 August 2012 as an international initiative to raise awareness among people about the condition of elephants particularly in Africa and Asia. World Elephant Day mainly aims to focus on addressing threats like poaching, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and exploitation in captivity.

This Day is the reminder of the shared responsibility to protect and preserved these majestic elephants for future generations.

Elephants Significance In India

India is a land biodiversity and cultural heritage and therefore we hold elephants in high esteem. In many cultural and religious rituals elephants are considered quite auspicious. There are certain areas where elephants are even worshipped.

India consists a major more than 60% of the Asian elephant population. Therefore it is necessary for us to lead conservation efforts. Elephants are considered the symbol of wisdom and huge strength in our tradition. Moreover elephants are also important species and hence they are vital as well as essential for the health of entire ecosystems.

Initiatives To Protect Elephants

There are a number of projects and initiatives that are being taken in our country to protect the elephants.

• The Govt of India launched the Project Elephant in 1992. The Projest focuses on habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and veterinary care of elephants.
• Elephant Corridors are there and new ones are being developed for safe migration routes.
• Several NGOs and wildlife organisations from time to time hold awareness campaigns and rescue operations.
• Community-based conservation programs are organised to engage locals in elephant protection.