India hosts 60% of world's wild Asian elephants, says PM Modi on World Elephant Day
Synopsis
India is home to more than 60 per cent of the world's wild Asian elephants — a fact Prime Minister Modi highlighted on World Elephant Day even as a Wildlife Institute of India report flags a rise in violent human attacks on elephants, including calves. The gap between India's conservation pride and ground-level reality is the story behind the celebration.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi marked World Elephant Day on 12 August 2025 , noting India hosts over 60% of the world's wild Asian elephants .
India has 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 identified Elephant Corridors , per the 2023 Elephant Corridors Report .
The elephant is India's designated National Heritage Animal .
A Wildlife Institute of India report has flagged a rise in violent human attacks on elephants, including calves, over the past year.
World Elephant Day was first observed on 12 August 2012 , co-founded by filmmaker Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 August 2025 marked World Elephant Day by highlighting that India is home to more than 60 per cent of the world's wild Asian elephants, calling it a source of national pride. Modi shared the message on social media platform X, drawing attention to the country's 33 Elephant Reserves and the communities working to protect the species.
What PM Modi Said
In his post on X, Modi wrote: 'On World Elephant Day, we celebrate the majestic elephant which has remained an integral part of India's ecological heritage. It is gladdening that India is home to over 60% of the world's wild Asian elephants. Our nation has 33 Elephant Reserves, which provide habitats for elephants and strengthen our efforts towards their long-term conservation. We are also proud of all forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts and the local communities who are integral to all such efforts.'
Modi also posted photographs on Instagram with the message: 'Happy World Elephant Day! And compliments to those working on elephant conservation and well-being.'
India's Elephant Conservation Record
According to the 2023 Report on Elephant Corridors in India, the country has 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 identified Elephant Corridors. India has officially designated the elephant as its National Heritage Animal, recognising the species' deep ecological and cultural significance. Elephants occupy a prominent place in the country's history, religious traditions and community life.
Threats Still Loom Large
Despite India's conservation stature, a recent report by the Wildlife Institute of India has flagged persistent challenges. Over the past year, several documented incidents have emerged of humans attacking elephants — including calves — using sharp weapons, firecrackers, and fireballs. Poaching, habitat destruction, and human-elephant conflict remain ongoing threats to the species across its range.
About World Elephant Day
World Elephant Day is observed annually on 12 August to honour elephants — animals known for qualities such as empathy, self-recognition, and strong social and family bonds. The observance was first held on 12 August 2012, initiated through a collaboration between the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand and Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims. Since its founding, Sims has been central to expanding it into a global conservation movement. The day serves as a platform for conservation groups, wildlife experts, and animal welfare advocates to raise awareness and encourage collective action for the long-term survival of both Asian and African elephant populations.
As India reaffirms its conservation commitments, conservationists say the real test lies in translating policy intent into ground-level protection — particularly for elephants navigating shrinking corridors and escalating human-wildlife conflict.
Point of View
But it sits uneasily alongside a Wildlife Institute of India report documenting a spike in violent attacks on elephants — including calves — over the past year. India's 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 corridors are significant infrastructure, yet corridor encroachment and human-elephant conflict continue to intensify. Celebrating a 60 per cent share of the world's wild Asian elephants is meaningful only if that share is defended by enforcement, not just designation. The National Heritage Animal tag needs teeth, not just tributes.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Modi say on World Elephant Day 2025?
Prime Minister Modi posted on X that India is home to over 60 per cent of the world's wild Asian elephants and praised the country's 33 Elephant Reserves. He also acknowledged the contributions of forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts, and local communities to elephant conservation.
How many elephant reserves and corridors does India have?
According to the 2023 Report on Elephant Corridors in India, the country has 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 identified Elephant Corridors. These form the backbone of India's elephant habitat and conservation network.
When was World Elephant Day first observed and who started it?
World Elephant Day was first observed on 12 August 2012. It was initiated through a collaboration between the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand and Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims, who has since been central to growing it into a global conservation movement.
What threats do elephants in India still face?
A recent Wildlife Institute of India report has highlighted a rise in violent human attacks on elephants, including calves, using sharp weapons, firecrackers, and fireballs. Elephants also continue to face threats from poaching, habitat destruction, and human-elephant conflict.
Why is the elephant India's National Heritage Animal?
India designated the elephant as its National Heritage Animal in recognition of the species' deep ecological importance and its prominent place in the country's history, religious traditions, and cultural practices. The designation also underscores India's commitment to long-term elephant conservation.
