World Elephant Day is observed every year on 12 August. In 2026, the theme was “Bringing the world together to help elephants,” highlighting global efforts to protect elephants from habitat loss, poaching, illegal ivory trade and human-elephant conflict.
- First observed: 2012
- India’s importance: India is home to nearly 60% of the world’s Asian elephants.
- Wild elephant population in India: 22,446 (SAIEE 2021–25 census).
- Project Elephant: Launched in 1992 for elephant habitat protection, welfare and human-elephant conflict mitigation.
- Elephant Reserves: 33 reserves covering about 80,777 sq km across 14 states.
- Elephant corridors: 150 identified corridors across India.
- West Bengal: Has the highest number of identified elephant corridors (26).
- Conservation technology: DNA-based census, AI monitoring, radio-collaring and early-warning systems are being used to protect elephants.
Exam Fact: World Elephant Day → 12 August | 2026 Theme → “Bringing the world together to help elephants” | Project Elephant → 1992.
