Elephants, the largest existing land animals

Image source: World Wildlife Fund

Elephants are known as the largest living species (mammals) on earth. They have distinctly large bodies, ears, and long trunks that help them not only to greet each other, for the warning but also to drinking or bathing. According to researches three living species have been recognized; The African bush elephants, the African forest elephants, and the Asian elephants. In Asia, elephants are considered as a very special animal not only by their size but also by their historical stories. In fact, in Asian countries like India, Sri Lanka, elephants have a special place associating with their religious beliefs. However, it is an undeniable fact they are now endangered due to human behaviours. Sometimes people kill elephants to get their tusks which are highly valuable and use for various purposes. Besides that, in some countries, people use them for lifting heavy woods, transportation, or for entertainment purposes. And, there have been many insightful discussions and debates on how to protect these species.

According to professor Om Prakash Singh, “the elephant has been a very important part of Indian religion. Be it Hinduism or Buddhism, the elephant is very closely associated with spirituality and belief. One of the most well-known elephants in religion is the Hindu god Ganesh, depicted as a human with an elephant’s head.”

Professor Singh wrote an interesting article about the Asian elephants for SILKROADIA VOL.2 NO.2 that was published last year. Please, check out the heritage session to read the full article he wrote to get a deeper understanding.