Amidst a sea of onlookers, a kumki elephant plays mediator between the forest officials and the wild elephant that had made its way into the village. We can only try and imagine the stress these animals undergo in such volatile conflict scenarios.

The photographer, a photojournalist from Mysore, has actively participated in and documented wildlife rescue operations in the region.

The image won a Special Mention in the Nature inFocus Photography Awards 2023, in the Conservation Focus category.