Center for Species Survival: Asian Elephant

The Centers for Species Survival (CSS) form a dynamic and strategic network of conservation initiatives under the  IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), a global, science-driven network of over 10,000 volunteers and  experts. These centers play a crucial role in advancing the SSC’s strategy, established through partnerships between the SSC Chair’s Office and leading species conservation organizations. This collaboration is designed to drive priority conservation actions—focusing on assessment, planning, and implementation across different geographic scales or specific taxonomic and thematic areas.

Each CSS operates in partnership with top-tier conservation organizations, facilitating significant resources, expertise, and public engagement to promote species survival. With more than 20 initiatives worldwide, the CSS network is widely recognised for its impactful conservation efforts and valuable scientific contributions.

Asian elephant in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

Center for Species Survival: Asian Elephant

The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), a keystone species in its habitat, is vital to maintaining biodiversity and cultural significance across South and Southeast Asia. Listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, Asian elephants significantly shape the landscapes they inhabit, including forests and grasslands. However, their populations have declined by nearly 50% over the past three generations due to major threats such as habitat loss, human-elephant conflict (HEC), poaching, and habitat fragmentation driven by agricultural and infrastructural expansion.

Recognizing the urgent need for conservation, the IUCN SSC, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and the Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Govt. of Odisha collaborated to establish the Center for Species Survival Asian Elephant. Located in Godibari, near Bhubaneswar, within the Chandaka Wildlife Division, this is the only CSS dedicated exclusively to a single species. As part of a global network of more than 20 centers, it highlights the critical need for focused conservation efforts for the Asian elephant.

Foundation stone of CSS: Asian Elephant laid at Chandaka, Bhubaneshwar | Photograph by DoEFCC, Govt. of Odisha

In collaboration with government representatives from the 13 Asian elephant range countries, the center is working on a shared work plan, sustainability strategy, and stakeholder engagement framework to achieve its key objectives:

• Resource Hub: Serving as a comprehensive platform for conservationists and stakeholders across the Asian elephant’s range, the Center provides access to the latest research, data, and successful strategies for mitigating human-elephant conflict and promoting coexistence.
• Capacity Building: Conducting workshops, training programs, and educational initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of local conservationists, government officials, and community leaders.
• Rapid Response Grant: Addressing urgent needs arising from human-elephant conflicts or other challenges, the center has established a Rapid Response Grant to provide quick, effective support to communities, such as funding electric fencing or “community engagement workshops.
• Public Engagement and Education: Partnering with local and international organizations to raise awareness and encourage public support for Asian elephant conservation efforts.

The Odisha Forest Department is currently constructing the facility at Godibari, which is expected to be completed soon. The center is envisioned as a central hub for facilitating scientific research, developing conservation strategies, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. It aims to address conservation priorities outlined in the 2025 Siem Reap Declaration for Asian Elephant Conservation, filling a critical gap in the regional conservation landscape.

Since its inception, CSS Asian Elephant has been actively engaging in stakeholder consultations, workshops, and a range of conservation activities.

• Range States Workshop on Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation held in March 2024 near Kaziranga National Park. The primary goal was to develop actionable guidelines for mitigating Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) and fostering coexistence, crucial for the protection of both local communities and elephant populations across Asia.
• Hosted a webinar on the effects of linear infrastructure on Asian elephant habitats in September 2024, highlighting the “Handbook to Mitigate the Impacts of Roads and Railways on Asian Elephants,” developed by the IUCN SSC AsESG and the IUCN WCPA CCSG. The webinar aimed to  further the goals outlined in the 2022 Kathmandu Declaration on Asian elephant conservation.
• CSS Asian Elephant launched the Rapid Response Grant designed to address urgent conservation needs affecting Asian elephants and their coexistence with human communities. With grants of up to $5,000, this initiative aims to provide immediate support for a range of conservation efforts, including the installation of electric fencing and the organization of workshops focused on coexistence strategies.
• The Center funded and successfully coordinated with government stakeholders from 13 Asian elephant range countries to convene the Fourth Asian Elephant Range States Meeting, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from 5th to 7th February 2025. The meeting was hosted by the Government of Cambodia and organised by the IUCN SSC AsESG, with support from the CSS Asian Elephant. Over three days, the meeting included 14 technical sessions, bringing together participants to discuss key conservation challenges, exchange solutions, and explore collaborative strategies.

Launch of Siem Reap declaration for Asian elephant conservation in Cambodia | Photograph by Govt. of Cambodia

The meeting concluded with the launch of the 2025 Siem Reap declaration on Asian elephant conservation, reaffirming the collective commitment of all 13 range countries to safeguard the future of Asian elephants through strengthened collaboration

PARTNERS: IUCN SSC, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Govt. of Odisha

PROJECT COORDINATOR: Dr. Prajna Paramita Panda

DIRECTOR: Vivek Menon