Alison Langevad Photography

24/08/2026

Power doesn't need to announce itself

23/07/2026

18/06/2026

Cheeky as anything with his mahout as training was happening.

17/06/2026

In Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, elephants are part of the reserve’s frontline protection system. Forest guards, rangers and mahouts (traditional elephant handlers) use trained elephants to patrol areas that vehicles often cannot reach, especially dense forest, steep terrain and muddy monsoon tracks. Riding on elephants gives patrol teams height, visibility and quieter movement through the jungle, which is critical for tracking wildlife, spotting illegal activity and safely moving through tiger habitat.

There is a strong cultural side to the work. Mahouts often form lifelong bonds with their elephants, and many patrol elephants have worked in the forest for decades. At the same time, the system is not without controversy. Some wildlife advocates question the ethics of using captive elephants for patrols and tourism. But conservation authorities argue that, in difficult jungle terrain, elephants still provide capabilities that vehicles and drones often cannot fully replace.

Visually, the patrols fascinated me. Forest guards moving silently through sal forests on elephant back while tracking tigers is still a very real part of daily life in Bandhavgarh.

This pic shows the forest beautifully. I'll share a few more in this series each day.

16/06/2026

When the Changeable Hawk-Eagle (or Crested Hawk-Eagle) gives you the look

15/06/2026

Using a snout that's a straw the termite thirst is quenched.

14/06/2026

Well hey there...

13/06/2026

The beautiful Bee-eater pausing for a moment between afternoon snacks

12/06/2026

Who's watching who?
It was pouring with rain, 'you'll never find a wet tiger they say' 😜

11/06/2026

Never easy to find but always rewarding in Bandhavgarh National Park Tiger Reserve