New Delhi, August 11: Elephants generate infrasound with frequencies below 20 Hertz through their feet and trunks. This seismic vibration can be felt up to 32 kilometers away. Scientists have discovered that elephants possess specialized cells called Pacinian corpuscles in their feet. These cells capture ground vibrations and transmit them directly to their ears through their bones.
Moreover, an elephant’s trunk contains over 40,000 muscles, far exceeding the total muscle count in a human body. Remarkably, elephants can even recognize themselves in mirrors. To promote global awareness about the conservation of these incredible and intelligent creatures, World Elephant Day is celebrated annually on August 12.
This day was officially launched on August 12, 2012, by Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims and Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation. This year, the primary goal is to combat elephant poaching and human-elephant conflict.
Elephants are not just majestic beings of the forest; science regards them as “ecosystem engineers” and “climate heroes.” A single forest elephant can enhance the carbon capture capacity of approximately 250 acres of forest, equivalent to removing the annual emissions of 2,047 cars from the atmosphere. Economically, the carbon capture service provided by one elephant is valued at up to $1.75 million. As elephants roam the forest, they consume and trample smaller trees with lower carbon density, allowing larger, high-carbon-density trees to thrive.
After a gestation period of 18 to 22 months—the longest among land mammals—elephants lead their calves on journeys that can span miles. During these travels, they disperse seeds of large trees through their dung, facilitating the continuous expansion of forests. Ironically, reports indicate that around 50 African elephants are killed daily due to the illegal ivory trade.
India is home to over 50% of the global Asian elephant population, making its role crucial. Under the Indian government’s Project Elephant (1992), 33 elephant reserves and over 150 elephant corridors have been established. According to India’s first DNA-based elephant census report released in October 2025, the total number of wild elephants in the country is recorded at 22,446.
Significant efforts are underway in India to promote human-elephant coexistence on both technical and emotional fronts. The Oscar-winning Indian documentary “The Elephant Whisperers” has touched hearts worldwide by showcasing the selfless care provided by Bomman and Bellie for orphaned elephant calves, Raghu and Ammu, in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
On the technical front, Indian Railways has implemented an AI-based safety system called the Gajraj System. This system, costing approximately ₹1.81 billion, detects vibrations from elephants’ feet with 99.5% accuracy through optical fiber cables laid beneath the tracks, alerting train drivers. Additionally, states like Kerala and Karnataka are creatively using beehives and chili fences to safely keep elephants away from human settlements.
World Elephant Day on August 12, 2026, serves as a reminder that the extinction of elephants could jeopardize the climate balance of our planet.
Leave a Comment