The Asian elephant is a magnificent animal, one, which has special significance for people all over the world. Weighing up to 5 tonnes and standing at a height of up to 3 metres they are the largest land animals in Asia with very few natural predators.
However due to a combination of pollution, encroachment and habitat destruction resulting from human activity, Conservationists believe there are now less than 30,000 Asian elephants left in the wild. Therefore this majestic animal which once roamed right across Asia finds itself on the endangered species list, meaning it faces the threat of extinction in the near future.
The Conservation Effort
The main focus of the conservation effort is on the elephants' habitat. Over recent years intensive logging and farming have resulted in huge swathes of forest leaving less than 15% of the original area. Ironically in some parts of Asia it is the elephants themselves that are used (by humans) to pull the huge logs out of the forest to be transported away.
Conservation charities have been working hard with local communities to halt the devastation. For example in Thailand, the superstitions of the Buddhist communities have been utilised as a way of saving the elephants of Chiang Mai province. By tying brightly coloured Buddhist cloth around trees, they are saved from being cut down because people believe that bad luck would result. This seemingly small program has proved extremely effective despite only being introduced a few years ago.
Green Shoots
As well as preventing trees from being cut down, conservationists have been planting new hard wood trees. These fast growing trees will help replenish the rainforest quicker so that Thailand's elephants can once again enjoy a larger area. Plans are also being developed to take similar programs across Asia to give back the natural environment.
Utilising Modern Technology
Modern technology such as chainsaws, heavy land moving equipment etc is largely responsible for the devastation to the rainforests but through the use of other modern technology conservationists hope to get ahead in their efforts to save the Asian elephant.
GPS trackers allow scientists and researcher to follow herds of wild elephants through the forests so they can gain a better understanding of their movements. Computer generated land models can be used to identify areas where the elephants could live and develop so their numbers are allowed to grow once more.
http://www.adoptananimal.co.uk/adopt-an-elephant/
Supporting conservation projects worldwide so that the magnificent Asian elephant has a chance of survival. Without our help this species which has roamed the earth for almost 7 million years could become extinct within the century.
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