May 2023

Technology. A boon to humankind that is currently driving the world. Tech innovations have been causing an exponential transformation in our lifestyles. From our fingertips to outer space – its presence has been scrolling and hovering, taking new shapes every day. But, if used unbefittingly, it can turn into a bane, with a very thin line of isolation. 

We at Beforest believe in walking hand-in-hand with technological innovations and have been constantly applying them to our forest-friendly collectives. When working with large chunks of land (100 Ac+), some operations can take a long time to execute, like clearing the land, hydrology studies, contour mapping and surveying, to name a few. We are at the initial stages of farm operations at the Poomaale 2.0 Collective, our new wilderness collective in Coorg. The land survey of the 100-acre estate was estimated to take a few weeks to complete. But being the tech lovers that we are, we decided to go carry out the survey of the diverse landscape with LiDAR.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It is a remote-sensing technology that uses laser light to measure and map the physical features of the environment. LiDAR systems emit laser pulses that bounce off objects and return to a sensor, which then calculates the distance between the objects and the sensor based on the time it took for the laser to travel to the object and back. This information can be used to create detailed 3D maps and models of the environment, which can be helpful in various applications such as self-driving cars, archaeology, forestry, and urban planning.

How is LiDAR Technology Used in Surveying?

LiDAR technology is used extensively in surveying because it provides highly accurate and detailed information about the terrain and topography of a given area. Surveyors use LiDAR to collect data on elevation, slope, and other features of the land to create accurate maps and models for a variety of applications.

In surveying, LiDAR is typically mounted on an aircraft or drone, and the laser beams are directed towards the ground. The sensor then measures the time it takes for the laser to bounce back to the aircraft, allowing it to create a precise 3D map of the terrain. This data can be used to identify the location and elevation of different features such as buildings, roads, trees, and bodies of water, which is then used to create detailed topographic maps and other surveying products.

LiDAR technology is instrumental in areas that are difficult or dangerous to access, such as mountainous regions or remote areas with thick vegetation. By providing accurate and detailed information about the land, LiDAR can help surveyors and other professionals make informed decisions about land use, infrastructure planning, and natural resource management.

What equipment is used in LiDAR Surveying?

LiDAR surveys typically require specialized equipment for data collection and processing. The main equipment used in a LiDAR survey includes:

LiDAR sensor: This is the core component of the system, which emits laser pulses towards the ground and measures the time it takes for them to bounce back, creating a precise 3D map of the terrain. LiDAR sensors can be mounted on aircraft, drones, or ground-based vehicles.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): GNSS equipment is used to precisely locate the LiDAR sensor and the aircraft or drone carrying it. This allows the LiDAR data to be accurately geo-referenced, which is essential for creating accurate topographic maps.

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU): IMUs are used to measure the position, velocity, and orientation of the LiDAR sensor and the aircraft or drone carrying it. This information is used to create accurate 3D models of the terrain.

Control Points: Control points are markers placed on the ground with known coordinates, which are used to calibrate and validate the LiDAR data.

Data processing software: Specialized software is used to process the raw LiDAR data collected during the survey and convert it into accurate topographic maps, digital terrain models, and other survey products.

Overall, LiDAR surveys require a range of specialized equipment to collect and process accurate and detailed data about the terrain and topography of a given area.

How is LiDAR Surveying Carried Out?

LiDAR surveys typically involve the following steps:

Planning: The survey team determines the area to be surveyed, identifies the objectives of the survey, and decides on the equipment and data collection methods to be used.

Data Collection: LiDAR equipment is installed on an aircraft or drone, which then flies over the survey area while emitting laser pulses towards the ground. The sensor measures the time it takes for the pulses to bounce back, creating a precise 3D map of the terrain.

Data Processing: The raw data collected by the LiDAR equipment is processed using specialized software, which filters out any noise or extraneous data and creates a point cloud representing the surveyed area. The point cloud is then used to create a digital terrain model, which shows the elevation and contours of the terrain.

Data Analysis: The digital terrain model and other survey products are analyzed by the survey team to identify features such as buildings, roads, trees, and bodies of water. This information is used to create detailed topographic maps and other surveying products, which are then used to make informed decisions about land use, infrastructure planning, and natural resource management.

Overall, LiDAR surveys provide highly accurate and detailed information about the terrain and topography of a given area, making them a valuable tool for a wide range of applications, including land surveying, urban planning, and natural resource management.

We are currently at the Data Collection stage in the LiDAR survey process of the Poomaale 2.0 Collective in Coorg. Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, the landscape is full of flowing streams and lush greens. Hence, drone survey acts as an effective way of carrying out a topographic survey of the landscape. We are looking forward to carrying out the next steps of the survey process.

Our forest-friendly collectives are grounds for innovative farming methodologies and sites for biodiversity sightings. At the Hyderabad Farming Collective, we recently got the chance to see a bee hive forming at the estate. However, the honey bee colony that gathered on the tree branches in our tree nursery did not stay around for very long. It was perhaps a moment captured in the process of their nest selection or the demise of the Queen bee that led to the dispersal of the hive. The appearance (and disappearance) of the beehive made us wonder about they collective behaviour of honey bees, why they come together and how they make a home in the wild world.

Nests of Honey

Honeybee hives are the nests or homes of honeybees, which are social insects that live in highly organized and cooperative groups. The hive is constructed using beeswax, which the bees produce from glands on their abdomen, and it serves as a shelter for the colony, as well as a place to store honey, pollen, and brood. The hive is divided into various sections, each with its own purpose and designated to be occupied by different members of the colony. For example, the queen bee resides in a separate area called the “queen cell,” while the worker bees attend to the daily tasks of foraging, collecting nectar and pollen, caring for the young, and maintaining the hive’s cleanliness. The organization and functioning of a honeybee hive is a remarkable example of social behavior in the animal kingdom.

Why Are Beehives Formed?

Beehives are formed by honeybees as a means of providing a safe and organized living space for their colony. Honeybees are social insects that live in large groups, and the hive serves as a central location for them to carry out their daily activities, including gathering nectar and pollen, caring for the young, and producing honey. The hive is also important for protecting the colony from predators and harsh weather conditions, as well as providing a place for the queen bee to lay her eggs. Honeybees are highly organized and work together to construct and maintain the hive, which is made of beeswax and consists of various sections with specific purposes. In summary, beehives are formed by honeybees as a way of creating a secure and functional environment for their colony to thrive.

Ecological Significance of Bees

Bees and beehives play an essential ecological role in pollination and maintaining the biodiversity of ecosystems.

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male to the female part of a flower, which results in the fertilization and production of seeds. Besides butterflies and moths, Bees are one of the most important pollinators, and they contribute to the reproduction of over 85% of flowering plants and 75% of global food crops. This makes bees crucial for maintaining the genetic diversity of plant populations and ensuring food security for humans and other animals.

Beehives also serve as a habitat for many other species, including mites, beetles, and other insects, which contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of ecosystems. Additionally, honeybees are important indicators of environmental health, as they are highly sensitive to changes in the environment, such as pollution and climate change.

In summary, bees and beehives play a vital role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of ecosystems by contributing to pollination, providing habitat for other species, and serving as indicators of environmental health.

Types of Bees in a Beehive

Queen Bee: The queen bee is the largest bee in the colony and is responsible for laying eggs. She is the only bee in the hive capable of reproducing and can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day during the peak season.

Worker Bees: Worker bees are the smallest bees in the hive and make up the majority of the colony. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including caring for the young, foraging for food, and maintaining the hive. Worker bees are female and are not capable of laying eggs.

Drone Bees: Drone bees are larger than worker bees and are male. They have no stingers and do not collect food or pollen. Their primary purpose is to mate with the queen bee. The drone bees typically die shortly after mating or are expelled from the hive at the end of the breeding season.

Each type of bee has a specific role within the hive and works together to ensure the survival and success of the colony.

Selection of the Beehive Site

Bees select a site for a hive based on several factors, including:

Bees prefer a location that is easily accessible for foraging flights to nearby sources of nectar and pollen. The location also needs to provide shelter to the hive from harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. Security from predators is another major factor in nest selection. Orientation of the site matters too. Bees prefer a site that is south-facing, as it allows the hive to receive maximum sunlight and warmth. And last but not the least, bees need sufficient space for the colony to grow and expand, with room for brood rearing, honey storage, and movement of the bees.

Once bees have identified a suitable location for a hive, they will begin the process of building the hive and establishing the colony. Swarm clusters may also form around objects that bees deem suitable, and then scout bees will be sent out to search for the best possible nesting location. The scout bees will evaluate potential sites and return to the swarm to communicate their findings through a waggle dance. This allows the swarm to reach a consensus on the best location for the hive.

We are yet to analyse the reason behind the disappearance of the honey beehive from the Hyderabad Collective and may come to a conclusion soon after consultation from apiculturists.

Threats to Bees and Beehives

Habitat loss: As natural habitats are destroyed, bees lose their food sources and nesting sites. This can lead to a decline in bee populations and threaten the pollination of crops and other plants.

Pesticides: The use of pesticides can have a toxic effect on bees and their ability to forage, navigate, and reproduce. Pesticides can also contaminate the bees’ food sources, such as nectar and pollen.

Climate change: Climate change can impact the availability of flowering plants and disrupt the timing of bee emergence and reproduction. It can also lead to changes in weather patterns, which can affect the bees’ ability to forage and survive.

Parasites & diseases: Bees can be susceptible to various parasites and diseases, such as varroa mites and colony collapse disorder, which can cause significant declines in bee populations.

Human intervention: Human activities such as the destruction of habitats, excessive honey harvesting, and the use of non-native species can have negative impacts on bee populations.

These threats can have severe consequences for bees and their role in pollination and ecosystem health. It is essential to take measures to protect bees and their habitats, such as reducing pesticide use, creating pollinator-friendly habitats, and supporting sustainable beekeeping practices.

We at Beforest are in constant talks with experts to bring apiculture to our farming collectives. The sighting of a beehive at the Hyderabad Farming Collective indicates that there’s potential for apiculture and beekeeping in our food forest, are we are working on finding sustainable ways of implementing it.

A line of ants in activity at night time. Shot at the Poomaale Collective, Coorg.

Homes, neighbourhoods, civilisations – they’re not just limited to humans, but a variety of animals too. Some homes of animals are clearly visible – like a bird’s nest or honeycombs. And some might not be visible right away (add examples). Ants’ nests, however, can be spotted easily – anthill being the common visible form. 

Ants reside in groups. 

You may consider them as pests, but the way their ‘societies’ function is pretty intriguing. You may have come across lines of ants, carrying sweet crumbles or lifting unbelievable amounts of weights. But have you ever taken the time to observe their lifestyle?

Extremely disciplined and natural self-starters, these tiny creatures have a lot to learn from. Diligent, hardworking team players, they don’t let their size define their ability to build. Maintaining strict queues, communicating clearly with their antennae, and helping their colonies by foraging and passing food – come rain or sun, they exemplify a self-disciplined lifestyle and show us what is possible when we work collectively. Read on to discover how ants organise themselves into societies and built their neighbourhoods.

What are Ant Colonies & Anthills?

An ant colony is a physical as well as social structure of ants. It is like their neighbourhood. Different types of ants are organised in different roles to propagate and protect their colony. anthills are the naturally built structures that house ant colonies. They’re the exterior protection to the complex social network of an ant colony, and mark the entrance to this fascinating world of ants. 

Ants are known for living in anthills, but not all ants choose to live in this type of habitat. In fact, some ants make their homes in unique locations such as crevasses in walls or underground colonies. Army ants take it a step further and even build nests to protect their queen. These ants may not be the most common, but they demonstrate the diverse and adaptable nature of ant colonies.

For the ants that do build anthills, many different species create these structures. Formica ants, yellow meadow ants, fire ants, harvester ants, and more are among the types of ants that construct these impressive homes. Formica ants, in particular, are known for building the largest anthills with heights of up to 2.5 meters and circumferences of 20 meters.

While we may think of anthills as being exclusive to ants, they are actually home to a variety of other creatures as well. Predators such as beetles and other insects like greenflies also live within these structures, taking advantage of the safety and resources that the ants have created. With many tiny entrances and a complex network of tunnels, an anthill provides a thriving ecosystem for a multitude of organisms.

Purpose of an Anthill

The primary purpose of an anthill is to protect the queen and the larvae. Worker ants build the anthill by creating subterranean tunnels and carrying building materials on their backs. They carefully control the temperature and climate of the nest by moving the brood to the most suitable part of the hill depending on the external climate. Ants prefer warmth and build their hills in a way that generates heat from the sun and conserves heat for when the sun sets, thus creating a clever solution for climate control.

Ants choose strategic locations to build their homes, such as between tree roots, under rocks, and inside tree logs, to provide shelter and protection from predators. They also need a location with a source of food nearby. Ant hills have solid outer structures that provide better protection, and the location is oriented in the direction with the most sunlight to protect them from the harsh sun.

Structure of an Ant Colony

Ant colonies have a well-structured system to function effectively. They can become defensive against predators and attack other ant species from other colonies to protect their colony.

The ant colony consists of different types of ants, with specific roles to play. 

Queen Ant

The queen ant is the founder and leader of the ant colony. Her primary function is to populate the colony by laying thousands of eggs. The queen ant’s chamber is located deep within the colony, and they can live longer than others, up to 30 years. They have wings and are much larger than the average ant.

Swarmers

Also called flying ants or drones, swarmers are male ants whose only function is to mate with the queen. Once they have fulfilled their purpose, they die.

Worker Ants 

They are female ants that do not lay eggs. Their responsibilities include building, maintaining, and feeding the colony. They can live from a few weeks up to a year.

Brood

Also known as alates or reproductives, the brood is a collective term used for the offsprings of the queen. Once they mature, they swarm together to make new colonies.

Architecture of an Anthill

Ants are known for their impressive construction skills, and their anthills are no exception. The architecture of an anthill is fascinating, as it may appear random from the outside, but it is a meticulously planned and executed structure with many interconnected chambers for different purposes. They range in size, from a mere inch to over 10 feet in the wild, and every nest is unique. In fact, architects often take inspiration from anthills when constructing human structures.

Exterior of an Anthill

The exterior of an anthill looks like a mound or heap of sand with a crater-like depression in the centre. The soil crust often contains pebbles and stones to keep the chambers warm, and resin from trees can be found, which may act as an antibacterial.

Interiors of an Anthill

The interior of the anthill is a complex structure with many tunnels that connect numerous chambers of varying sizes. Each chamber serves a different purpose, including nurseries, food storage, and a place for worker ants to rest. Interestingly, worker ants move the larvae to rooms near the top of the anthill during the day to keep them warm, then move them to lower chambers at night to keep them safe.

Building Materials

Ants are practical creatures, so they use materials that they can carry easily to build their anthills, such as fine sand, dirt, clay, pine needles, and twigs. Twigs are used as reinforcement to keep the structure safe and protect them from harsh climates. Sometimes, they even bring seeds inside the anthill and let them sprout and grow, which acts as a great camouflage. Ants build anthills for the long term, so they make them as sturdy as possible from the beginning.

The Two Sides

An anthill has two parts, above ground and underground, and many ant species build more than one nest. Extra nests are called satellite nests and serve as a way to expand their territory. These nests can carry the queen, brood, or worker ants, but no satellite nesters are allowed into the mother colony. Ants meet other ants from different nests while foraging, but they don’t harm each other because they all belong to the same colony.

Lifespan of Anthills

Anthills, when built well, can have an impressive lifespan of up to hundreds of years. The average lifespan of an ant colony ranges from 1 to 30 years, depending on the species of ants. In some cases, ants live as long as their queen, or even longer. Fire ants, which are harmful to livestock and children, can live up to 7 years with the queen laying thousands of eggs every day. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, hollow out wood to build their nests, and their colonies can survive up to 5 years.

The size of the anthill is often indicative of the colony’s maturity. The larger the nest or mound, the more mature the colony. Fire ants are known for their ability to build super colonies, which are cooperative colonies of many nests working together, spanning miles. This is due to their impressive ability to build a nest quickly, with some fire ants being capable of building a nest within a day! Additionally, these colonies can support multiple queens.

Threats to Ant Colonies & Anthills

Ant hills are vulnerable to several predators such as beetles which burrow into the ant hill and prey on the larvae. Natural calamities like floods and erosion can destroy anthills too. Human activities and encroachments often disrupt their societies. If the ant hill gets damaged for any reason, the ants disperse and build a new nest at another location. 

Ants may lie at the bottom of the food chain but aren’t insignificant. Small yet fierce, they can collectively take down prey slightly bigger than themselves and can make their presence be felt through their articulate civilisations. Every creature has a role to play in the larger picture and we are constantly trying to decode these roles on our journey to forest-friendly sustainable living.

Birds of the same feather flock together. 

We’ve all grown up learning this in school through lessons and stories. While some feathered friends like to fly solo, birds living in groups or ‘flocks’ is a common occurrence. With the spring season came a rise in bird sightings at our Poomaale Collective in Coorg. Our farm team is blessed to wake up every day to the call of the Malabar whistling thrush, the orchestra of numerous bulbuls, or a cacophony of a group of bee-eaters!

Bee-eaters are one of those groups that display a strong attachment to their kind and are found to live in complex societies much like that of humans. Read on to know how these vibrant birds come together, operate and define their place in the ecological world.

Where to Spot and How to Identify Bee-eaters

Bee-eaters are small-to-medium-sized birds that belong to the Meropidae family. They are found across tropical and subtropical regions of Eurasia, Asia, Africa and Australia. They live in open habitats – open grasslands, scrublands, large openings in woodlands – and tend to prefer places with a lot of activity (along the rivers and junctions) as they offer opportunities for food gathering and nesting.

Worldwide there are over 20 bee-eater species, of which 6 are found in India alone. Their vibrant colours make them a hard-to-miss sight during your bird-watching sessions. In fact, you may find this bird casually during your walks in gardens or hikes in open green spaces. Their vibrant plumage resembles some birds from the order Coraciiformes (like kingfishers, rollers and hornbills) – and for this, they’re photographers’ and bird watchers’ favourite! The predominant colour is green – with patches of blue, red, ochre, yellow, brown and purple. In most species, both males and females display similar plumage, unlike in the case of other bird species where the male appears more flamboyant.

Specialist Predators

Well, it’s not too tough to guess what their favourite food is!

The name “bee-eater” comes from their specialised ability to catch bees, mid-flight, in their tiny, but strong beaks. More than a source of food and nutrition, bee-hunting seems to be a lifestyle for this species. They’re so quick in clutching their prey that they can hunt down over 200 bees in a day! Google a bee-eater, and you’re sure to find thousands of pictures with the bird flaunting its kill.

Though bees form a major part of their diet, they also feed on wasps, worms, ants, beetles and dragonflies. Preying on other flying insects seems to be a delightful hobby for these birds as they love to get a hold of their prey mid-flight and flaunt their unparalleled agility. You will often find them waiting patiently for an insect to fly in the vicinity of an open branch. Some even go to the lengths of showcasing themselves as flowers to attract bees, taking advantage of their vibrant plumage. Once they get a hold of their prey, they make use of tree branches or parts of barks to remove the exoskeleton and any stings by rubbing them against the tree’s parts. That’s how they seem to pass their day. However, on rare occasions, they can also be found foraging for small insects or lizards on the ground. 

The Touching Lives of Bee-eaters

Yes, literally. You will often find these birds huddling on an open branch, touching bodies and basking in the sun. They are highly gregarious creatures – meaning they love company and need a social support system to survive in the wild world. You will seldom find a bee-eater in solitary. The group dynamics is one of the most intriguing things about this species.

A typical ‘society’ of bee-eaters consists of male and female monogamous birds who have their own ‘clans’ that span generations. They are high-activity centres where you can hear a myriad of bird calls all at the same time – almost like a bustling neighbourhood. They recognise their family members and neighbours with their distinct calls.

With complex groups come complex relationships. Bee-eaters are no different. A colony of bee-eaters may contain up to 450 birds if the habitat can support it. Although monogamous in nature, bee-eaters are cooperative breeders. Single non-breeding bee-eaters aid pairs in breeding, while some bee-eaters are known to breed in solitary in their burrows. The ‘helpers’ assist the breeders in all aspects of breeding – from helping to dig the burrow and incubating eggs, to foraging food for the nestlings. The helpers also occasionally become the ‘wingman’ for the breeders and help them find suitable mates. Most of the time these helpers are close relatives – unpaired offspring, or non-breeding parents/grandparents.

Ecological & Cultural Significance of Bee-eaters

Beings birds, their main role in the ecological world is that of seed dispersal. Birds share a mutualistic relationship with trees, where trees provide them with shelter and, in return, bird helps them propagate and diversify by dispersing the seed of trees across regions. However, bee-eaters are primarily insectivorous. So they may not be as helpful as other fruit-eating birds, like the bulbuls, in dispersing seeds. 

Here’s a way bee-eaters help plants evolve. Just like many other birds, they help in pollination when they flock from garden to garden by carrying pollen on their feed or feathers. Although pollination may not be as accurate as that of bees or butterflies/moths, it still helps plants grow in beautiful ways. Additionally, the food habits of bee-eaters help keep the insect population in check and protect the trees from pest attacks. 

In some parts of the world, like the Mediterranean shores, bee-eaters are considered an invasive species as they end up feeding on a large number of honey bees on which apiculturists base their livelihoods. And in some other parts of the world, they’re considered a source of pride and come with cultural significance. The shifting notions about these social birds are an example of the complexity of their web of life, as well as the web of life we are all a part of, which is inevitably interdependent. The ecosystem can thrive when we realise that nature is a circle and not a line and that our chances of survival are higher together.

Elephants are majestic creatures that have captured the human imagination for centuries. From their incredible size and strength to their complex social behaviour, they are truly one of the most fascinating animals on the planet. What does the world of elephants look like and what are its roots? What is their cultural and ecological significance? Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply curious about these magnificent creatures, read on to go on a wild tour!

The Drift Between African & Asian Elephants

Elephants are native to Africa and Asia. African elephants are known to be the largest mammal living on land, with Asiatic elephants taking 2nd place. Although closely related, they are 2 distinct species with several differences in physical appearance and behaviour. Their relationship can be traced back to their ancient ancestors, who were once part of a single species that roamed across what is now Africa and Asia. Fossil evidence suggests that these elephants began to diverge into separate species around six million years ago as a result of continental drift.

Today, both species share similarities in terms of intelligence, social structures, and their crucial role in their ecosystems, they have evolved independently for millions of years and have distinct genetic differences. African elephants are larger and have larger ears, while Asian elephants have smaller ears and a more rounded forehead. African elephants see tusks in both males and females, while tusks are only found in males in Asiatic elephants. Despite these differences, both species face similar threats such as habitat loss and poaching. Overall, the relationship between African and Asian elephants is one of coexistence, as they occupy different geographic regions and play important roles in their respective ecosystems.

Elephants & India – An Ancient Connection

The Indian subcontinent is not only a marvellous cultural melting pot but also home to majestic wild creatures like the Asiatic elephants, Bengal tigers and rhinoceroses. About 60% of the Asiatic elephants are spread across the jungles of India. This residence has come through historic routes.

Elephants have been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries, with a rich history that spans from ancient warfare to modern-day recreation. They were once used in battles and for logging – tasks far from their natural calling. Remnants of this culture can still be found in certain parts of the country, where elephants are used to transport people for both practical and leisurely purposes. However, the coexistence between elephants and humans in India hasn’t always been harmonious. As human populations continue to expand into elephant habitats, many elephants are subject to harm and conflict. This ongoing issue serves as a stark reminder of the need for balance and respect between humans and animals.

On the other hand, there is a world in India where several tribes have been living in harmony with the forests and their inhabitants for generations. These tribes have formed close relationships with elephants and have learned to coexist in a mutually beneficial manner. Through their understanding and respect for the natural world, these communities have found a way to integrate themselves seamlessly into the environment, forming an important part of the delicate ecosystem.

Despite the contrasts between different aspects of Indian culture, one thing is clear: elephants are a vital part of the country’s heritage and identity. From ancient times to modern-day life, these majestic creatures continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of people across the country, reminding us of the importance of respecting and protecting the natural world.

Ecological Role of Elephants – The World is Their Garden 

Elephants are meant to live in forests because forests need them just as much for survival. All elephants are herbivorous and can eat over 100 kgs of food every day. They consume over 200 varieties of berries, fruits, leaves, roots and grasses. They travel in herds for hours a day consuming what the forest gives and dispersing the seeds in their lofty dung across forests. Their size and group movement alone helps in large-scale seed dispersal across regions, and across forests, promoting a far-reaching biodiversity. For all these reasons and more, they are a keystone species –  if they thrive, other species thrive, if they survive, others do too.

Social Behaviour of Elephants

Elephants are known for their complex social behaviour and their ability to form strong bonds with members of their herd. In a typical herd, led by a matriarch, female elephants will stay together for their entire lives, forming strong family units that are essential for survival. Male elephants, on the other hand, will leave the herd when they reach adolescence and will often join up with other male elephants to form their own groups.

Within the herd, elephants display a range of social behaviours, from tactile communication to vocalization and body language. They use their trunks to touch and explore one another, conveying information and establishing social bonds. They also use a range of vocalizations, from trumpeting calls to low-frequency rumbles, to communicate with one another. Overall, the social behaviour of elephants is an essential part of their survival and is crucial to the health and stability of their communities.

Corridors of Compassion

Live and let live – the simple rule elephants abide by. One can easily get lost in forests, but these creatures are intelligent. They make their own pathways with their massive strength and then stick to them in order to move safely from one place to another in their own gardens without disturbing the other garden dwellers including humans.

They have the power to wade through dense forests and leave behind clear trails that lead to waterholes and food, allowing other animals of the forest to survive, who in turn, have their own ecological roles to play. These pathways created by elephants are called elephant corridors and they efficiently connect natural regions. Any person who is aware of the life these majestic animals lead will steer clear of these corridors as elephants tend to move frequently through these lanes in large numbers.

Threats to the World of Elephants

The gender disparity among Indian elephants is a long-standing threat to the survival of the species, with only around 1000 of the estimated 27,000 elephants being bull elephants. Male elephants are especially vulnerable to poaching for their ivory, and this has gone as far to cause an evolutionary response, with more elephants being born tuskless to avoid poaching. The rapidly growing human population is also increasing the demand for infrastructure and development, leading to the fragmentation and destruction of elephant habitats. 

Studies show that the average home range of Asiatic elephants is 100-1000 sq.km while that of African elephants is 11-500 sq. km. The smaller and more fragmented the forests get, the farther elephants have to travel in search of food, further increasing the chances of human-animal conflict. Increasing home ranges are not a good indicator of the health of the forests and the wildlife of the region. 

This complex web of issues is slowly but steadily encroaching on the land that rightfully belongs to these creatures, leaving them with little space to survive and thrive. The extinction of these “mammoth” creatures would be catastrophic for the planet, with significant consequences for the ecosystems in which they play a crucial role.

We at Beforest are constantly trying to coexist with all the creatures of the forest. Our Poomaale Collective in Coorg is located in the heart of the Western Ghats, which is a biodiversity hotspot. Elephants corridors run through the estate and we find these noble creatures creating more paths every now and then as they visit the estate. We are grateful for having a home in a place full of potential for such beautiful phenomena to unfold. Our next wilderness collective, Poomaale 2.0 Collective, lies adjacent to the Poomaale Estate and shares many geophysical properties, including these corridors of compassion in the wilderness.