HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT
Cultivated crops are not present in their natural environment and it is due to habitat loss that elephants are forced into plantations, settlements, and farms, that have replaced their natural habitat, to find alternative sources of food. The increasing human population is resulting in little habitat left for these Indian elephants. Habitat loss and fragmentation from illegal encroachment of protected areas, and road and other development is leaving elephants without reliable shelter and food sources, additionally isolating populations, thus, restricting migration routes and herd mixing.
It is this habitat loss that leads to invasion of land and consequently conflict. A large elephant raiding a farmer’s land can destroy an individual’s livelihood very quickly, as well as detrimental damage to millions of dollars worth of agricultural operations. It is the damage or potential damage that they can cause which results in retaliation where the elephant is often killed. Dr. Barney Long, the Asian Species Expert, stated “As South Asia’s population explodes, elephants are getting squeezed into smaller areas leading to major conflicts, we need to champion solutions that help both elephants and people.” Organisations, like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), are working on these solutions.
CAPTIVE ELEPHANTS & THAILAND'S ETHICAL ELEPHANT TOURISM
Thailand has an estimated number of 6,700-7,400 elephants, with 3,700 captives, almost all privately owned, and about 3,000-3,500 in the wild. Captive elephants are used in tourism, from
Human-Elephant Conflict of Thailand’s Indian Elephant
Thailand
Indian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus) are a sub-species of the Asian elephant and are classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with only a population of 20,000-25,000 individuals remaining. These gracious mammals can weigh up to 5 tons, grow to heights of 6-11 feet at the shoulder, and up to 21 feet long.
HABITAT & DIET
When around 19 hours a day are spent feeding, they can roam areas as large as 125 square miles, in habitats from grasslands to tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests, and dry forests, preferring a mixture of grassland and forest. They will always be near a freshwater source, as they need to drink at least once a day. Grasses make up the majority of their diet, yet tree bark, leaves, roots, and stems are also consumed, with around 150kg of plant matter eaten per day. They can also eat cultivated crops, like sugarcane, bananas, and rice if they are nearby. The Indian elephants' large range helps clear areas of vegetation, providing space for new growth as well as aiding in the dispersal of germinating seeds by producing up to 220 pounds of dung per day. It is because of their role in the habitat that they are ecosystem engineers.
observation to bathing, feeding, or riding. The question of why captive elephants cannot be released into the wild has been raised. As part of the HRH Queen Sirikit reintroduction project, over 100 captive elephants were released into Thailand national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and over the past 20 years, successful wild births have occurred. Yet, the project has been halted due to human-elephant conflict issues arising. Elephants are interfering with villagers’ lifestyles and have been asked to take the elephants from these forest regions. Thailand’s growing human population and the change of natural elephant habitats to agricultural land, and the subsequent conflict, has led to a lack of wild areas where the 3,700 captive elephants could be released to as there is just not enough available space.
"As South Asia's population explodes, elephants are getting squeezed into smaller areas leading to major conflicts, we need to champion solutions that help both elephants and people."
Some sanctuaries exist to help rescued or retired elephants who have worked in the logging or tourism industries, such as Krabi Elephant Sanctuary. As the first ethical elephant tourism experience in Krabi, they rescue and welcome them into a sustainable habitat for the elephants to live in a safe and natural environment, free from profiteering and neglect. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket is also an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project based in Thailand. They hope to “lead by example and contribute to a positive change in the perception of elephants; to witness a future where elephants are not poached, ridden, overworked, or abused, and are instead treated with care, love, and respect”.