Nepal is home to Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), large mammals that contribute to the country’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Both wild and captive populations exist, reflecting a long history of interaction between elephants and human communities.
Where Nepal’s Elephants Live
Asian elephants in Nepal are primarily found in the lowlands of the Terai region, extending into the Churia-Siwalik area. Their habitat spreads across 22 districts, often reaching elevations up to 500 meters. These elephants utilize both protected areas and forested patches outside these zones.
Key protected areas supporting elephant populations include Chitwan National Park, Parsa National Park, Bardia National Park, and Shuklaphanta National Park. While some elephant groups are resident within these parks, migratory populations from neighboring India also regularly traverse into Nepal, particularly in the eastern and western parts of the Terai. This transboundary movement highlights the importance of maintaining forest corridors connecting fragmented habitats.
Current Status and Conservation Concerns
The Asian elephant is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a designation it has held since 1986. Nepal’s wild elephant population is estimated at 227 individuals, with approximately 180-210 elephants also living in captivity. While the wild population shows a steady increase since 2000, particularly in areas like Bardia National Park, challenges remain.
Habitat loss and fragmentation represent a major threat to Nepal’s elephants. Forest cover in the Terai and Churia region, approximately 20,000 km², has experienced an annual decrease of about 0.27% between 1930 and 2020. Over half of the suitable elephant habitat lies outside protected areas, making these populations vulnerable to human encroachment and unplanned infrastructure development like highways and irrigation canals.
Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a pressing issue, especially in the southern lowlands. Elephants often raid crops, causing extensive damage to agricultural produce and substantial economic losses for local households. This conflict can escalate to property damage and human casualties, with elephants responsible for a percentage of wildlife-related human fatalities in Nepal. In response, retaliatory killings of elephants have increased, with an estimated 5-6 wild elephants killed annually due to these conflicts.
While traditional poaching for ivory is not as prevalent in Nepal, recent reports indicate elephants are killed by electric traps set by locals to protect crops and, increasingly, by firearms. This suggests a shift in poaching methods. The Nepalese government has recognized these threats by listing the Asian elephant as a protected species under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973. Conservation initiatives include the Elephant Conservation Action Plan 2025-2035, which aims to protect habitats, reduce human-elephant conflict, and strengthen monitoring and anti-poaching efforts.
Elephants in Nepali Culture and Tourism
Elephants hold deep cultural and religious significance in Nepal, particularly within Hinduism, symbolizing power, royalty, and divinity. With a history of domestication in South Asia dating back to 6,000 BCE, they are traditionally featured in religious ceremonies, such as carrying the statue of the god Indra during the annual Indra Jatra festival. Events like the Elephant Blessing ceremony at Chitwan National Park further highlight this cultural reverence.
In the tourism industry, elephants have historically been used for activities like elephant-back safaris, especially around national parks such as Chitwan. This practice has been a source of income for national parks and local communities. However, there is a growing global and local movement towards more ethical tourism that prioritizes elephant welfare.
Concerns regarding the training methods, over-commercialization, and the overall well-being of captive elephants used in rides have led to a shift in public perception. Ethical alternatives are emerging, focusing on observation-based experiences, such as walking alongside elephants or visiting sanctuaries for rescued animals. Organizations like Tiger Tops Elephant Camp and Sapana Village Lodge, near Chitwan National Park, are promoting models where elephants are observed in natural settings without rides or performances. This evolving landscape in tourism aims to support elephant conservation by encouraging responsible travel choices and providing alternative livelihoods for mahouts and elephant owners.