The Asian Elephant has a remarkable association with man in India, as a part of the country's religious and cultural heritage. Curiously enough, scientific enquiry into the ecology of the elephant in India was not undertaken till the late 1970s, despite it being a significant part of human history from time immemorial. However, considerable information on the natural history of the Asian elephant, previously published has been collated in this book. The book also presents a review of the past and present status of the elephant and the problems that the elephant faces in its fight for survival. The elephant is an integral figure of the religious ethos of the sub-continent, and one hopes it will not be sacrificed in the search for a better lifestyle for the people of the region.