WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Every Year, World Elephant Day is observed on August 12 to raise awareness about the challenges in elephant conservation and their protection worldwide.

World Elephant Day 2024

• Establishment: Patricia Sims of Canada and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand, a project of HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand, collaborated to create World Elephant Day on August 12, 2012.
• Patricia Sims' Role: Since its inception, Patricia Sims has been responsible for overseeing World Elephant Day activities and initiatives.
• Partnerships for Conservation: The project has joined forces with over 100 organizations dedicated to elephant conservation, enhancing global awareness and support.
• Global Response: World Elephant Day has mobilized millions worldwide, showcasing their concern for elephant welfare and willingness to contribute to their protection.
• Theme 2024: World Elephant Day 2024 Day is “Personifying prehistoric beauty, theological relevance, and environmental importance.”

Different Types of Elephants

• Mainly classified into two main species: Asian and African elephants.

Asian Elephant: Conservation in India

• Population: Around 26,000
• Conservation status – IUCN: Endangered, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, CITES: Appendix I, CMS: Appendix I.
• Elephant declared as the national heritage animal by GoI in 2010.
• Project Elephant: Launched in 1992 as centrally sponsored scheme.

oObjectives: To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors,

oTo address issues of man-animal conflict,

oWelfare of captive elephants.

• African Forest Elephant: Critically Endangered
• African Savanna Elephant: Endangered