Elephants help maintain forest and savanna ecosystems for other species and are integrally tied to rich biodiversity. Elephants are important ecosystem engineers. They make pathways in dense forested habitat that allow passage for other animals.

When WWF was first set up in 1961, WWF stood for World Wildlife Fund. In 1986 we changed this to World Wide Fund for Nature to emphasise the broad nature of WWF's conservation work, which includes not only species, but also habitats and the reversal of environmental degradation.

Elephants plant trees and fight climate change. Studies have shown that elephants help protect forest health in central Africa by distributing the seeds of trees. Because they roam over such great distances, elephants play a key role in spreading tree seedlings far and wide.

To get there, we employ five major strategies:

• Prevent illegal killing.
• Protect elephant habitat.
• Monitor elephant numbers, poaching rates, and threats to elephant habitat at key sites in Africa and Asia.
• Reduce ivory trafficking.
• Reduce the demand for ivory.

Elephants: A traditional symbol of divinity and royalty For centuries, India has regarded the majestic royal beast, the elephant, as its cultural symbol. The highly revered Hindu God, Lord Ganesha, is said to be a remover of obstacles and a provider of fortune and good luck.

For Nature, For People, Forever Our efforts ensure that the value of nature is reflected in decision-making from a local to a global scale.

WWF works to help local communities conserve the natural resources they depend upon; transform markets and policies toward sustainability; and protect and restore species and their habitats.

Top 10 facts about elephants

• They're the world's largest land animal.
• You can tell the three species apart by their ears.
• Their trunks have mad skills.
• Their tusks are actually teeth.
• They've got thick skin.
• Elephants are constantly eating.
• They communicate through vibrations.

4 things you didn't know elephants do for you

• Elephants plant trees and fight climate change. Studies have shown that elephants help protect forest health in central Africa by distributing the seeds of trees.
• Protecting elephants increases security.
• Elephants support other species.
• They're a tourist attraction.

Section 40 (2) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 prohibits the acquisition, possession and transfer of a captive elephant without the written permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State.

Top 10 facts about elephants

• They're the world's largest land animal.
• You can tell the three species apart by their ears.
• Their trunks have mad skills.
• Their tusks are actually teeth.
• They've got thick skin.
• Elephants are constantly eating.
• They communicate through vibrations.

The Elephant methaphor is used for India as just like an Elephant , India is mighty and powerful , but does not know it. Like an Elephant she cannot run fast ( economic growth) , like an Elephant never forgets a thing ( difficult to let go of the past) , like an Elephant is slow to turn around , get on its feet.