World Elephant Day 2025: Majuli forest marks the day with a strong call for peaceful human-elephant coexistence

World Elephant Day 2025 (Image: Canva)

World Elephant Day, observed every year on 12 August, raises global awareness about elephant conservation and the threats they face. First launched in 2012, its 2025 theme, "Matriarchs & Memories", highlights the vital roles of elephant matriarchs and the women conservationists working to protect them. For forest officials in Majuli, this day is more than a symbolic observance. It serves as a daily reminder of their mission to safeguard elephants and prevent conflicts with humans.

A herd of around 150 elephants has been moving across Majuli’s chars and chaporis for years. Unlike other regions, these areas have seen little human-elephant conflict. Forest officials credit continuous monitoring and quick action to guide elephants back to forests when they enter human settlements.

Range Forest Officer Abhijeet Doley said they track the herd regularly. The aim is to avoid situations where elephants damage property or crops. The department hopes for a future where both humans and elephants can thrive peacefully.

Doley noted that rising human numbers in chapori areas are shrinking elephant habitats. These lands have belonged to elephants for centuries. Now, with humans settling there, the risk of conflict increases.

He urged locals to respect wild animals, even when they cause losses. Damaged bamboo structures or destroyed paddy fields are difficult, he admitted. But he believes coexistence is possible with understanding and care.

His appeal was clear. Elephants and rhinos are part of the region’s identity, and protecting them is everyone’s responsibility.