Known locally as “Hathi”, the Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) once roamed parts of what is now Pakistan, particularly during ancient times. Historical evidence, such as elephant remains found at Mohenjo-daro, indicates their presence during the Indus Valley Civilization . In modern times, the species is no longer found in the wild within Pakistan. The most notable individual was Kaavan, a male elephant gifted by Sri Lanka in 1985, who resided in Islamabad Zoo until his relocation to Cambodia in 2020 following welfare concerns . While the Asian Elephant is extinct in Pakistan, conservation efforts continue in neighboring countries to protect and restore its populations.

Habitat & Lifestyle
Asian Elephants typically inhabit diverse environments, including grasslands, tropical and evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and dry thorn forests. They are social animals, often forming matriarchal herds, and are known for their migratory behavior in search of food and water. Their diet is varied, consisting of grasses, fruits, bark, and roots.

Area Found
Historically, Asian Elephants were present in regions that are now part of Pakistan. However, due to habitat loss, hunting, and other anthropogenic pressures, they have been extirpated from the wild in the country. Currently, there are no wild populations of Asian Elephants in Pakistan.