Photography exhibition on Asian elephant conservation held in Coimbatore

The Asian Elephant Conservation Research and Conflict Management Centre (AECRCMC) of the Forest Department in Coimbatore and the Nature Conservation Society (NCS) organised a photography exhibition at Chadivayal in Coimbatore district on Thursday and Friday.

Organisers said the exhibition arranged at the Forest Department checkpost at Chadivayal, on the way to Kovai Courtallam waterfall, aimed at educating the public on Asian elephant conservation and human-elephant coexistence.

The exhibition showcased photographs of the Asian elephant, its habitat, challenges faced by the species, ongoing efforts in human-elephant conflict mitigation and conservation and other animals. According to AECRCMC, the exhibition attempted to translate the complex issue of human-elephant conflict into an understandable and relatable narrative for the public. It also highlighted the importance of elephants in maintaining forest ecosystems, the causes behind increasing conflict scenarios and the crucial steps being taken by forest authorities and research centres to manage these situations.

Timed with Pongal celebrations, the exhibition attracted a large number of people who visited Kovai Courtallam on the two holidays. Officials from the Forest Department and the AECRCMC team headed by scientist M. Naveen and biologist J. Peter Prem Chakravarthi interacted with the visitors and explained conservation strategies and the role communities can play.