Asian elephants once lived throughout the continent from the western Iranian coast to China’s southeast Yangtze River and all points in between; a total of over three and a half million miles. They were majestic, giant mammals, freely occupying their native environment.

However as the human population grew, the Asian elephant’s numbers began to dwindle. In eras past, the tusks of the elephant were prized for both carving and as an ingredient in medicine. Hunting seriously reduced their numbers.

The Current Problem

The Asian elephant has been pushed out of its native habitat and can no longer be found in most of China, Java, and West Asia. Because of this, the species is classified endangered and there is a real risk of total extinction in the wild.

Today the Asian elephant is more threatened by the encroachment of development than any other factor. Their herbivore diet consists of grass, plants, and the bark of trees. Much of the tropical forests and grasslands that once provided a virtual smorgasbord for the elephants is now paved over or turned into farmland.

Of course, no farmer wants his crops to be consumed or trampled by elephants, so this creates a constant struggle between human occupants of the land and the huge mammals striving to survive.

Although killing an Asian elephant is illegal, poaching still occurs. In some instances, the farmers who wish to retaliate against loss of crops and human life partner with poachers to ensure the mammals no longer threaten their livelihood.

Unfortunately, the demand for ivory from elephant tusks has not abated in recent decades and the prized material commands a high price, providing incentives to poachers to continue illegal killing.

What Can be Done?

Perhaps the first step is properly integrating both human and animal environments. Until the Asian elephant and the farmer can learn to live together peaceably, conflict will continue. Currently, the Wildlife Conservation Society is working to initiate projects that work with local law enforcement to monitor populations, track down poachers, and educate residents in an effort to reduce conflicts.

The only way to know if these programs are successful is to measure the results in terms of the number of Asian elephants. Surveys to determine the current population are being performed and will be compared to future numbers. This also helps to identify the habitat of herds so that it can be preserved.

There is room on this earth for both Asian elephants and humans to live in harmony. Through the concerted efforts of organisations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, it is hoped that the two can get along and both thrive in their natural environments.

Find out more about the Asian Elephant Conservation Efforts.