A new Amazon Original Series, "Poacher," sheds light on the harrowing tale of Operation Shikar, the most extensive elephant poaching case in India. The series delves into the investigation that unfolded between 2015 and 2017 in the state of Kerala, resulting in 72 arrests, including poachers, government officials, carvers, and high-end ivory art dealers across the country.

Jose Louies, CEO of the Wildlife Trust of India, played a crucial role as Chief of Enforcement during the operation, which unearthed the deaths of approximately 28 tuskers due to poaching. However, the actual number of slain elephants is suspected to be significantly higher, given the extensive reach of the criminal network operating for over a decade.

Notably, Asian elephants face an alarming threat, with populations dwindling to between 46,726 and 49,490 individuals compared to around 415,000 African elephants. The decline in Asian elephant numbers is exacerbated by habitat loss, human-elephant conflicts, and rampant poaching across Asia, with only a few countries successfully conserving their elephant populations.

In India, with around 29,000 wild elephants, particularly in the biodiverse Western Ghats region encompassing Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, ivory trade and poaching continue to pose significant challenges despite legal prohibitions. In the '90s, the discovery of a large-scale elephant-poaching and ivory-smuggling ring involving international crime syndicates highlighted the persistent threat to India's elephants.

With a focus on the illicit Asian ivory trade, "Poacher" spotlights the distinct value of Asian ivory in markets like Japan, commanding higher prices due to its unique lustrous quality. The series also exposes the domestic ivory market in India, where ivory artefacts were coveted by affluent buyers, including officials and celebrities.

Through the lens of "Poacher," viewers gain insight into the complexities of combating wildlife crime, conservation efforts, and the critical need to safeguard endangered species like Asian elephants. Despite the challenges faced, initiatives such as enhanced ranger training and anti-poaching measures aim to protect these majestic creatures for future generations.