Coexistence Collective

Welcome to the World of

COEXISTENCE

The Coexistence Collective is a venture of The Real Elephant Collective, a socio-environmental enterprise merging Art & Conservation, raising funds and awareness around the concept of Coexistence.

Explore the World of Coexistence

Dive into the hidden connections that weave us together in the web of life. Tap on each species to uncover how we all coexist.

Bastard Myrobalan

Get ready for the games! The nuts of the Belleric Myrobalan were once used as dice in games, and eating the fruit can play with your mind!

Butterfly Pea

A splash of blue in Southeast Asian cuisine, butterfly pea petals double as a natural food dye. Beyond the plate, this vibrant bloom works underground too—teaming up with rhizobia bacteria to enrich soil, making it a favorite for both farmers and chefs alike.

Asian Elephant

Shaping forests and clearing paths, Asian elephants are nature’s engineers. As Asia’s largest land animal, they hold deep cultural significance—from the Betta Kurumba tribe’s traditions to Thailand’s national emblem. While males roam solo, herds nurture the young. From India to Sumatra, three subspecies wander the wild, living up to 60 years.

Asian Emerald Cuckoo

A master of deception, this flash of shimmering green is a rare jewel of the canopy. Expertly navigating foliage for ants, caterpillars and bugs, the Asian Emerald Cuckoo, lays eggs in nests of spiderhunters and sunbirds, hiving off its parenting job!

Himalayan Glassy Bluebottle

With wing patterns that resemble stained glass, the Himalayan glassy bluebottle flits from bloom to bloom, rarely pausing for long. Drawn to mud puddles and animal droppings, it fuels up for its swift, darting flights. A flash of iridescence, it vanishes just as quickly as it appears.

Silk Cotton/Semal

Lighting up the landscapes in March and April, silk cotton trees burst into bloom with fiery red flowers. In Myanmar, these blossoms are dried and cooked into traditional dishes, while in North India, their soft fibres fill pillows. A feast for barbets and parakeets, their nectar also draws in thirsty rufous treepies!

Indian Moon Moth

A nocturnal marvel, the Indian Moon Moth flutters silently through the Himalayas. With no mouth to eat, it lives only to mate, relying on energy stored as a caterpillar. Its long, twisted tails baffle bat sonar, ensuring a swift escape. Relying on host plants like oaks and conifers, forests are crucial for their survival.

Malabar Giant Squirrel

The trees of the Western Ghats are lucky to have these bushy arboreals leap across their branches.The size of a large Persian cat, Malabar Giant Squirrels are a chatty lot, clattering their distinct call through the forests as their bodies catch the sunlight in rich auburn and sunshine yellow. Rather comfortable around humans, they can sometimes be pesky with farmers crops, and are quite deft with handling food with their little front paws.

Bengal Tiger

Born to rule the wild, Bengal tigers stalk their prey with unmatched stealth. Cubs train for years, mastering the hunt before claiming their own territory with their scent ward off rivals. As apex predators, they keep prey populations in check, while their leftovers sustain other wildlife—ensuring that in nature, nothing ever truly goes to waste.

Jackfruit Tree

Ripe jackfruit can be smelt a mile away! Tasting yummier than it smells, this giant fruit can be a feast for a family, or a hearty meal for an elephant. Raw jackfruit is flooding markets for its value for diabetics, but the tree has been known and used for 5000 years for medicine, furniture or even dye for Buddhist robes in Southeast Asia.

Southern Birdwing Butterfly

With its striking colors and impressive wingspan, the southern birdwing is India’s second-largest butterfly. Drifting over jungles and hilltops, they sip nectar from blossoms. The caterpillars feast on toxic Birthwort leaves, turning their bright colors into a warning. Even in stillness, the pupa responds to touch—tightening subtly.

Rhododendron

Meet the rhododendron, the "rose tree" with a healing touch. From soothing heart troubles to easing asthma, this wonder plant has been a go-to remedy for centuries. A symbol of purity in Indian culture, it's also a pollinator’s paradise—attracting sunbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees.

Asian Fairy Bluebird

With striking red eyes and shimmering blue-black plumage, the Asian fairy bluebird weaves through the canopy, its deep calls echoing through the trees. Feeding on fruits and nectar, it thrives in forests, orchards, and gardens alike. With delicate cup-shaped nests hidden in the foliage, they lay two to three eggs, bringing vibrancy to the forest tops.

Striped Hyena

A nocturnal trickster, the striped hyena thrives in darkness, scavenging and sometimes even faking its own death. Seeking shelter in caves and thickets, it roams solo but shares territory with others. In a wild twist, it even teams up with wolves for survival.

Oriental Pied Hornbill

A master seed disperser, the oriental pied hornbill keeps forests thriving with every meal. Feasting on fruits, its diet shifts with the seasons, shaping the ecosystem it calls home. Any disruption to its role sends ripples through the forest, altering the delicate balance of life.

Teak

Meet the leaves of the Kannimara, the world's oldest teak tree, standing tall at 450-500 years! A strong and beautiful wood, it's been grown in plantations for furniture and buildings for 100's of years. For over 2000 years, the teak has been used in ceremonies and spiritual practices across Southeast Asia.

Indian Gaur

Displaying remarkable fearlessness, the Indian gaur moves with quiet confidence, its sheer size deterring most predators. Highly social, these majestic creatures whistle to warn their herds of danger. In summer, rising temperatures and relentless insects test their patience, making them unpredictable and quick to charge.

Vine Snake

A vibrant shade of green, the vine snake weaves through branches, vanishing into the foliage. Misunderstood and wrongly feared, myths of eye-pecking have led to needless killings. Reaching up to 5 feet in length, they prey on frogs, lizards, and birds—keeping nature’s balance while becoming a meal for larger hunters.

Malabar Parakeet

Also called the blue-winged parakeet, the Malabar parakeet thrives in the towering trees of the Western Ghats. Feeding on berries, buds, and fruits, these social chatterboxes rarely go unnoticed—their sharp calls echo through the treetops as they weave through the open skies.

Bornean Orangutan

A master of the treetops, the Bornean orangutan swings effortlessly through the canopy, shaping forests as it goes. Dubbed "Gardeners of the Forest," these intelligent apes scatter seeds, keeping ecosystems alive. Playing a vital role in seed dispersal, these intelligent primates build intricate nests using leaves and branches, even crafting “pillows” and “blankets” from foliage.

Beauty Leaf

Rooted in prehistoric times, the beauty leaf tree thrives along coasts, its timber prized for durability. Its leaves act as fish poison, its fruit lures rats, and its sap once tipped arrows. Yet, the Mavilan tribe of Kerala turns to its bark for treating waterborne plant diseases.

Toda Plant

The Toda plant, a revered shrub of the Nilgiris, stands tall at 6 meters, offering more than just shade. To the Toda people, known as Thovari, it's a symbol of spiritual and medicinal importance, rooted deeply in their culture and traditions.

Indian Spotted Chevrotain

A shy, nocturnal creature, the Indian spotted chevrotain moves unseen through dense riverine forests. The world’s smallest hoofed mammal, it grazes on fruits and leaves under the cover of night. When danger strikes, it vanishes into water, holding its breath—an ancient skill hinting at ties to early whales.

Indian Leopard

A silent stalker of the night, the Indian leopard dominates forests and city edges alike. An agile climber and stealthy hunter, it preys on primates in Periyar and navigates Mumbai’s urban sprawl, skillfully avoiding tigers while thriving in ever-changing landscapes.

Blue Carpenter Bee

With their shimmering blue coats, blue carpenter bees stand apart from honey bees. Carving tunnels in softwood and bamboo, it creates the perfect nest for its young. While females brandish a sting, the harmless males shimmer in muted hues. A master pollinator, it flits effortlessly between flowers, ensuring the forest stays vibrant and full of life.

Brazilian Nightshade

A striking yet sinister presence in the plant world, the Brazilian Nightshade, or blue potato vine, is as toxic as it is beautiful. It spreads rapidly through seeds that are dispersed by animals. Its berries, though eye-catching, are lethal to poultry, livestock, and unsuspecting foragers.

Sambar Deer

Graceful yet elusive, the sambar deer glides through the forests of the Indian subcontinent, evading predators with ease. Males live alone, while females form tight-knit herds. Drawn to water, they wade effortlessly through streams. When danger looms, they stomp, scent-mark, and unleash piercing screams to alert others.

Proboscis Monkey

An expert swimmer, the proboscis monkey is the most aquatic of all primates, diving with ease and leaping effortlessly through treetops. Feeding on fruits and leaves, males honk to assert dominance, while chatter keeps groups connected. Sharing their jungle home with silver lutungs, they help sustain the forest’s delicate balance and ecosystem.

Indian Flying Fox

Primarily roosting in big, established territories, the Indian flying fox is found throughout the Indian subcontinent. Roaming vast distances in search of fruit, bark, and seeds, these silent foragers shape entire forests. They are vital pollinators, ensuring the survival of countless plant species.

Java Plum

The java plum isn’t just a treat for jackals, civets, and fruit bats—it’s a powerhouse of nutrition! Packed with vitamins A and C, its bark and seeds are prized for their role in managing diabetes. Watch as it transforms from green to deep black, signaling it's ripe and ready to be eaten!

Red Headed Trogon

A silent glider of the forest, the red-headed trogon drifts low between trees, hunting cicadas, beetles, and centipedes. Its crimson plumage vanishes into the dense canopy while the male’s mellow "tyaup" call lingers in the air. A master of stealth, it perches alone or in pairs, ever watchful.

Blyth's Tragopan

A jewel of the highlands, Blyth’s tragopan glides through rugged slopes, feasting on seeds, berries, and buds. Preferring lofty elevations, it descends only when drought forces its hand. These elusive birds move in small groups, navigating dense foliage and disappearing into the mountain mist.

Stripe-Necked Mongoose

The stripe-necked mongoose moves swiftly through forests and shrublands, hunting frogs, crabs, hares, and reptiles. Preferring riverine habitats, it roams even high-altitude regions, avoiding human settlements. Its high-pitched call echoes across vast landscapes, while glimpses of pups in May hint at its secretive life.

Bamboo

At an inch a day, Bamboo, is one of the fastest growing species on Earth! This wonder-grower is sourced for silica for great hair and collagen! Bamboo flowers and shoots are yummy too : used by tribal groups in Sigur, Mudumalai and Bandipur of Southern India and of course, pandas, gaur and elephants.

Vijimol, Kattunayakan tribe

Vijimol’s life moves with the forest. As a child in Chembakolli, she shaped lantana flowers into tiny balls, wandering without fear. Now, elephants roam closer, drawn by ripening mangoes and jackfruit. Crackers keep them away, but crops remain at risk. Yet, for Vijimol, the forest isn’t a threat—it’s home, shared with its towering trees and nature's giants.

Malayan Tapir

Nicknamed the Oreo tapir, the Malayan tapir melts into the rainforest’s dappled shadows with its bold black-and-white coat. Despite poor eyesight, it navigates dense forests with sharp hearing and smell. Wallowing in mud to stay cool, this shy herbivore helps regenerate habitats, scattering seeds as it roams the wild.

Maroon Oriole

A melodic architect, the maroon oriole, meticulously crafts a deep, cup-shaped nest, binding it together with delicate strands of cobwebs. Whether alone or in pairs, its calls fill the air—rich and resonant from the male, soft and breathy from the female, blending into a haunting duet.

Chestnut-Headed Bee Eater

Dressed in dazzling shades of green and blue, the chestnut-headed bee-eater natches bees, wasps, and hornets mid-flight, skillfully removing their stingers before swallowing. Living in close-knit groups, they roost and feed together. Devoted parents, both partners share the task of raising their young, ensuring future generations of these vibrant hunters thrives.

Nilgiri Marten

A nimble predator and forest gardener, the Nilgiri Marten leaps through the treetops, hunting insects and small animals while scattering seeds. This agile climber thrives in groups, chattering as they explore. Though mostly arboreal, they occasionally descend to the forest floor, ever-curious and always on the move.

Indian Laburnum

The Indian Laburnum, called Ratchaphruek in Thailand, Kanni Konn in Kerala, Ehela in Sril Lanka and Dok Khun in Laos, is a sight of pure delight when it blooms - its yellow blossoms pouring down like a shower of gold. No wonder it has marked beginnings, luck and prosperity across cultures.

Grey Slender Loris

The least known of the primates, the Grey Slender Loris is a silent guardian of the night. Feasting on ants, termites, and mealy bugs, the Grey Slender Loris vanishes into the treetops. Once feared as a symbol of misfortune, it’s now a farmer’s secret weapon against pests. A key player in the ecosystem, it also serves as prey for snakes and orangutans.

Grey Peacock Pheasant

A secretive dweller of lowland and hill forests, the grey peacock-pheasant moves with effortless grace. Feeding on invertebrates, seeds, and fruits, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem. With the offspring resembling their mothers, they serve as a vital barometer of a thriving tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Red River/Cluster Fig

The Fig is like the Mother tree of a forest. Luring creatures big and small, the intoxicating smell and taste of the ripe fig fruit has animals that wouldn't stand together, foraging side-by-side under its wide-spread arms. From Martens to tigers, elephants to mouse-deer, the fig has sacred significance for people too.

Greater Flameback Woodpecker

With striking golden plumage, the greater flameback hammers into bark with precision, hunting for insects. Unlike most woodpeckers, it rarely drums, relying on soft calls to communicate. With zygodactyl feet and a stiff tail for grip, it scales trunks effortlessly, thriving in forests, plantations, and city greens alike.

Pitcher Plant

Stay hydrated like a monkey! Nicknamed "monkey cups," pitcher plants were once thought to be jungle water bottles for thirsty primates. More than just a clever trap, they form unique bonds with carpenter ants, tree shrews, and other creatures, showcasing nature’s remarkable web of interdependence.

Sapria

Aptly named corpse flowers, the rafflesia flower lures carrion flies with the stench, color, and texture of rotting flesh. Its deep, bowl-shaped bloom and hidden floral chamber ensure these unsuspecting visitors become accidental pollinators, ensuring successful pollination in a fascinating display of nature’s ingenuity.

Red Giant Snail

Gliding through the rainforest, the red giant snail moves with slow precision, its lightweight shell offering both protection and agility. Scaling trees and navigating the forest floor, they are native to the Western Ghats. Thriving in swamps, riverbanks, and farmlands, they emerge at night to forage and explore.

Sarus Crane

The Sarus crane, the world’s tallest flying bird, stands at an impressive 1.8 meters. Like other cranes, Sarus cranes form lifelong pair bonds and defend their territories with displays of trumpeting calls, leaps, and elegant dances. In Gujarat, the newlyweds are taken to see a pair of Sarus cranes, as It’s believed that witnessing these birds, which symbolize unity, brings blessings for a long and happy marriage.

Sloth Bear

A fearless forager, the sloth bear never backs down. Outpacing a sprinting human, this agile climber sniffs out termites, ants, and bees with ease. Often seen in pairs, they howl, bark, and huff to communicate. With a sweet tooth, mothers regurgitate a fruity honey mix for their cubs.

Coorg Yellow Bush Frog

Native to the Western Ghats, the Coorg yellow bush frog thrives in altered ecosystems, perching on leaves and stems. Skipping the tadpole stage, the offspring hatch as miniature frogs. As dusk deepens, males call from beneath the leaf cover, their chorus filling the night.