Impacts Of Changes in Vegetation Structure on Elephant Habitat and Relationship to Human Conflict

Abstract

With global climate change, ecosystems and biodiversity are facing unprecedented threats. Yunnan, as an important region for biodiversity, is experiencing significant vegetation structural changes, which have far-reaching impacts on its endemic elephant populations. This study focuses on how climate change-induced changes in vegetation structure affect Yunnan's elephant habitat and its conflict with humans. The study found that the elephants' traditional habitats have been severely fragmented due to climate change-induced forest degradation and grassland changes, forcing them to engage in more frequent conflicts with the local residents. This ecological change not only threatens the survival of elephants, but also puts enormous economic and livelihood pressures on the local communities. In addition, elephants' migration routes and behavioral patterns have been significantly altered as a result. This study reveals the complex impacts of climate change on biodiversity and human life, and emphasizes the urgency of taking appropriate measures to protect the ecological balance.