Those interested in wildlife, especially elephants have a new book to read which brings with it a refreshing perspective and insightful look in to the world of the Asian elephant. The Secret Life of Elephants, a book by Ritesh Joshi, a scientist with the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, has been brought out by Natraj Publishers.

A unique and unusual blend of field work, anecdotes, observations and research on the lesser known behaviour patterns of the Asian elephants, the book written in an easy style is interesting both for the experts and laypersons.

The book’s foreword has been written by noted ecologist Raman Sukumar, a professor at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, best known for his work on the ecology of the Asian elephant and human-wildlife conflict. He states, “The more you observe elephants, the more you realise how much more there is to learn about this wonderfully adaptive creature. Who could have thought that this land giant was capable of acrobatic feats which would do a circus artiste proud? Who could have guessed that elephants possibly grieve for the dead?” He further states, “Ritesh Joshi has been observing elephants in the Rajaji national park and its environs of Uttarakhand for over a decade.

 During this period he has observed several rare behaviours such as elephants examining a dead companion’s remains, or adaptive behaviours such as thoughtfully navigating roads, bridges and other infrastructure.”

The book comprises five chapters on subjects including Rajaji national park, social behaviour of the Asian elephant, rare responses of Asian elephants to their environment, some unforgettable incidents and future of the lord of the jungle. The book dedicated by the author to the elephants of the Shivalik elephant reserve is a must read for lovers of wildlife and nature.