Forest Elephants of India: Their Role, Threats & How Sanctuaries Like Hathi Gaon Help

Forest Elephants of India: Their Role, Threats & How Sanctuaries Like Hathi Gaon Help

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When readers hear “forest elephant,” they often think of African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis)—a species distinct from the African savannah elephant. India, however, is home to Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), specifically the Indian subspecies (Elephas maximus indicus). So what do we mean by “forest elephants of India”? We’re referring to forest-dwelling Asian elephants—the same Indian elephant, but populations that live mainly in tropical and subtropical forests (evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist/dry deciduous), grasslands, and mosaic habitats that include forest edges, riparian belts, and plantations. In short: not a separate species, but the habitat-using populations of India’s Asian elephant. ... Read More
From Quarry to Conservation: How Hathi Gaon Transformed Scarred Land into an Elephant Reserve

From Quarry to Conservation: How Hathi Gaon Transformed Scarred Land into an Elephant Reserve

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Elephants have been a part of India’s culture, religion, and history for centuries. From temple rituals to royal processions, these gentle giants have always held a special place in our hearts. But as cities expand and natural habitats shrink, elephants are increasingly caught in a conflict between survival and human development. One of the most inspiring examples of turning this challenge into an opportunity is Hathi Gaon — a unique project near Jaipur, Rajasthan, that transformed barren quarry land into a lush habitat for elephants and a sustainable community for their mahouts (elephant keepers) ... Read More