Online Desk: “Trampled Boundaries” is a tapestry woven with stories, articles, research findings, and experiences by some of the most renowned conservationists from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, according to a press release. Prolific writer Anwaruddin Choudhury and elephant-follower Avijan Saha paint a picture of elephants in northeast India in the book, while elephants of the Western Ghats are featured in OP Nameer’s writings, it says.

The book’s contents are organised into two sections: the first featuring articles and case studies from India and the second from India’s neighbouring countries. Eminent conservationists Sonam Wangchuk; Dr Md. Anwarul Islam, Chief Executive of WildTeam; and Jayantha Jayewardene have enriched the edited volume with sharp insights from Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, respectively. Experts including Lakshminarayanan, Bivash Pandav and Parag Nigam highlight tribals’ challenges with elephants in Chhattisgarh. These experts have dedicated their lives to understanding and safeguarding the Asian elephant, and their collective wisdom offers a panoramic view of the challenges and opportunities in elephant conservation, said the release.

The articles within each section are listed alphabetically by the author’s first name, providing readers with a comprehensive look at the multifaceted aspects of Asian elephant conservation. Stunningly captivating images of elephants by Sanjay Shukla, Dhrtiman Mukherjee, Jitender Govindani, Rahul Boruah and many others will bring readers much closer to the pachyderm, the release says. Seasoned forest officers like SS Bist and Vinod Rishi; accomplished ecologists like Surendra Varma and Priya Davidar; and proficient conservation practitioners like Anand Kumar and Kedar Gore have narrated elephantine history and conservation urgency in the book.

While the book primarily focuses on the wild Asian elephant population, it also delves into the welfare of captive elephants, acknowledging their cultural and historical significance. Captive elephants have been used in religious and cultural events, tourism, and other activities, but their welfare, care, and treatment have raised concerns. Brigitte Uttar Kornetzky and Sreedhar Vijayakrishnan vividly capture captive elephants’ challenges and the need for their ethical treatment. “Trampled Boundaries” remind of the profound importance of Asian elephant conservation within the intricate landscape of the Indian subcontinent. It emphasises the urgent need for comprehensive approaches, collaborative efforts, and unwavering dedication to protecting these iconic beings.

This book is not just an academic endeavour but a call to action. It is a testament to the shared responsibility we all hold to preserve the place of Asian elephants in our world. Whether a conservationist, a researcher, a student, or simply someone fascinated by the mesmerising world of elephants, “Trampled Boundaries”, supported by the International Elephant Foundation’s project in Kaziranga, is a must-read.