AECP
The Asian Elephant Conservation Programme
Our flagship Programme
The Asian Elephant Conservation Programme (AECP) is A Rocha India’s flagship program and longest running ecological study on the Asian elephants of the Bannerghatta-Hosur Landscape. The AECP is aimed at finding a solution that will benefit both local people and elephants. We have pioneered scientific research in the Bannerghatta-Hosur Landscape, for elephant conservation through the study of population dynamics and ecology, understanding the conflict surrounding human-elephant interactions and implementing mitigation solutions and developing technology that is suited to the local context.
Research
Over the past twenty years, we have engaged in extensive research projects that deepen our understanding of Asian elephants and their ecology. Our studies focus on critical aspects such as population dynamics, demography, local distribution, movement patterns, and behavioral assessments. By adopting a holistic and collaborative approach, we work alongside various stakeholders, including the Forest Department, local farmers, researchers and conservation organizations. This collaboration enhances our collective knowledge and contributes significantly to the academic understanding of Asian elephants in our region.
Community based conservation efforts
AECP focuses on conserving Asian elephants while recognizing their shared habitat with local communities. We aim to minimize negative interactions between people and elephants while we foster nature stewardship among communities through economic incentives and alternative livelihoods.
Supporting farmers
We provide consultations for local agricultural communities as well as individual land-holders towards mitigating conflict. Surveys are conducted to assess the lands that are susceptible to elephant intrusions and suitable long and short term mitigation measures are recommended, along with possible suggestions of suitable barrier mechanisms to minimize the impacts of human elephant conflict.
Innovations in human-elephant conflict mitigation
To reduce the negative interactions between local communities and elephants the AECP has established the use of technological and innovative interventions in mitigating conflict. We have designed an early-warning system that uses sensor-based technology to inform communities of elephant presence, which then allows them to implement protective measures. This lack of negative interaction aids in reducing retaliatory persecution of elephants by communities and also saves human lives. Our use of technology is aimed at providing cost effective, locally relevant and easily accessible tech solutions to our various stakeholder.
Fostering partnerships
AECP is a collaborative effort of the conservation community, envisioned by researchers, organizations and visionaries who recognize the power of alliances to create an impact for elephant conservation. Building on the common ground of passion and commitment towards conservation, AECP collaborates with prominent Asian elephant range partners, conservation agencies as well as state forest departments to achieve its mandate.
Captive elephant management
AECP conducts research on captive elephants, focusing on their behaviour, management and welfare. Our research is aimed developing practical guidelines and protocols to improve the management of elephants in captivity as well as informing us of ex-situ conservation strategies.
© 2025 A Rocha India
National Office & Field Study Centre
#13, Kaserguppe Village,
Bilwardahalli (Dakle), Bannerghatta (Post),
Jigani (Hobli), Anekal (Taluk),
Bangalore South-560083
Karnataka – IN