Lakhimpur Kheri:, Aug. 13 -- On World Elephant Day, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) is emerging as an increasingly important habitat for Asian elephants in the Terai, offering abundant food, water, green forests and protection to herds that migrate from neighbouring Nepal.

Apart from 25 trained camp elephants, Dudhwa is now witnessing the presence of more than 125 wild tuskers, mostly migrating from Nepal. What was once a seasonal movement is gradually acquiring a more permanent character, with a number of elephant herds choosing to remain in Dudhwa for longer periods and, in some cases, making the reserve their home.

The change is being seen as a sign of Dudhwa's enriched ecology and favourable habitat conditions. But it is also creating a ...