By Bhumesh Bharti
Dehradun, 24 Jun: As the monsoon arrives, it marks the seasonal closing of most National Parks and Tiger Reserves across India. From 15 June until November, the forests will largely rest from tourism, allowing nature to heal and wildlife to move freely through their habitat. Among these iconic wilderness areas, Jim Corbett National Park also closes its gates tomorrow, ending another remarkable safari season.
While Corbett is widely known for its majestic tigers and thrilling wildlife sightings, it is equally one of India’s most important landscapes for the conservation of Asian elephants. The reserve currently supports an estimated population of about 1200 wild elephants, making it one of the strongest elephant habitats in the country.
To monitor and protect this important population, the Uttarakhand Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India along with Corbett Tiger Reserve launched a state-wide elephant census in May 2026, using modern techniques such as the direct count method and M-Stripes for accurate population assessment. Initial observations from just six ranges of the Corbett Tiger Reserve already counted 960 elephants.
These gentle giants play a vital role in maintaining the health of the forest ecosystem. Often called ecosystem engineers, elephants shape the landscape by dispersing seeds, opening forest paths, and helping maintain grasslands that support many other species. Their presence is a sign of a thriving and healthy forest.
During the summer months, elephants are frequently seen in large numbers across Corbett’s famous grasslands and forest zones such as Dhikala Chaur, Phulai Chaur, Jhirna, and Bijrani. Early mornings and evenings often show beautiful and unforgettable scenes – herds moving silently through golden grasslands, calves walking close to their mothers, and giant tuskers.
As Corbett Tiger Reserve closes for the season, these images remind us why protecting elephant corridors and preserving natural habitats remain so important.
The forests may close for visitors, but the wild continues its timeless journey – silent, powerful, and beautifully alive. Behind the safety of these animals stands another silent force the forest staff and guards of Corbett. Even during the tough monsoon months, when roads close and conditions become difficult, they continue to stay inside the forest. Day and night, they keep watch to protect wildlife from danger and ensure the safety of the park. Their dedication and hard work make them the true guardians of this wilderness.
These photographs capture the beauty of elephant life in Corbett and also honour the people who work tirelessly to protect this precious habitat for future generations.
Pics & text by: Bhumesh Bharti
