| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Proboscidea |
| Family | Elephantidae |
| Genus | Elephas |
| Species | E. maximus |
| Subspecies | E. m. indicus |
| Trinomial name | Elephas maximus indicus |
Elephants hold a special place in the forests and culture of Kerala. Known as the "State Animal" of Kerala,
the Indian elephant (a subspecies of the Asian elephant) is found in large numbers in the lush forests of the Western Ghats.
These majestic animals play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds and
creating pathways through dense vegetation.
Kerala is home to several protected areas like Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve,
where wild elephants roam freely. In addition to their ecological importance, elephants are deeply integrated into Kerala's traditions,
especially in temple festivals such as Thrissur Pooram, where caparisoned elephants are a major attraction.
Efforts are being made by the Kerala Forest Department and conservation groups to protect elephants from threats such as habitat loss,
human-elephant conflict, and poaching. These efforts aim to ensure that elephants continue to thrive in Kerala’s forests for
generations to come.