, Aug. 15 -- The number of wild elephants roaming the Garo Hills of Sherpur appears to be growing but the forests they depend on are steadily shrinking.

As trees are felled, forestland is occupied, sand and stone are extracted illegally, and streams and waterfalls dry up amid climate change the elephants are losing both habitat and food sources.

Hungry and thirsty herds are venturing out of the forests and into settlements and farmland in search of food and water, resulting in growing struggle for space between humans and elephants - a conflict that is proving deadly for both.

On World Elephant Day, observed on Aug 12, conservationists say the challenge is no longer simply to protect elephants from people but to create conditions in wh...