Captive elephants in the country are used for a range of tasks. From hauling timber in the forests to blessing devotees in the temples, they do it all. In a first-of-its-kind study by researchers at the A.V.C. College, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, and Dharmapuram Gnanambigai Government Arts College for Women, Mayiladuthurai, have explored how being forced out of their natural and instinctive behaviour affects these majestic megafauna.
A long-term study reveals encouraging trends for marine turtles in Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar, and the Lakshadweep Islands, while climate change and ecological shifts pose new conservation challenges across India's coasts.