Elephants are known as keystone species, meaning their presence and activities have a large impact on their environment.
World Biodiversity Day: In celebration of World Biodiversity Day on 22nd May, Wildlife SOS highlights the remarkable contributions of the rescued elephants at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 2010, ECCC has become a sanctuary for over 30 elephants rescued from severe distress and abuse. The centre has also become a thriving ecosystem, thanks in large part to the elephants themselves.
Elephants are known as keystone species, meaning their presence and activities have a large impact on their environment. At ECCC, this impact is vividly apparent where the elephants have transformed their surroundings into a flourishing biodiversity hotspot.
As they roam the centre, elephants play crucial roles in the restoration and enhancement of local flora and fauna while grazing and defecating. They can absorb only 35-40% of the nutrients in their diet, which means their waste is rich in undigested seeds and grains. This waste not only provides a valuable food source for various animals, including deer, birds and small mammals, but also acts as a natural fertiliser, promoting the growth of new plants.
Their long-ranging nature also allows elephants to spread seeds over several kilometres during their lengthy digestive cycles. By consuming fruits from trees accessible only to megafauna, elephants enhance the diversity of vegetation within their habitat. At ECCC, this has led to the growth of various trees and plants, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.
Since its inception, Wildlife SOS has observed a gradual increase in sightings of diverse plant and animal species within the premises. The symbiotic relationship between the elephants and their environment has fostered the emergence of a thriving ecosystem teeming with life. Birds feed on insects disturbed by the elephants as they walk, and burrowing insects aerate the soil around elephant waste, enriching it with key nutrients and organic matter.
Several indigenous plant species have been propagated by elephants around the centre premises, including mango, pumpkin, grapes, burflower, and black plum. This lush greenery has led to a remarkable increase in bird species, which have grown from just 15 when the ECCC was started to over 70 species spotted throughout the year now. Many of these birds are migratory and are now spotted much more frequently during the season. Additionally, seven species of snakes and other reptiles, such as monitor lizards, have found a home amidst the greenery. Butterflies, which were only occasionally found before, now boast at least six different species in the area.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “Our rescued elephants have not only found a sanctuary where they can live in peace and contentment, but they have also become true stewards of nature. Their presence at our facility has had a profound impact on local biodiversity, showcasing the vital role that elephants play in their habitats.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, said, “When the centre was established, we aimed to create a natural environment for the rescued elephants. We planted numerous indigenous trees, which includes the Miyawaki forest. Since then, many new trees have sprung up, thanks to seed dispersal by the elephants. These trees now support a thriving ecosystem of birds, mammals, and reptiles.”
