Population status of Asian elephants Elephas maximus and key threats

Abstract

The Asian elephant Elephas maximus is distributed in 13 countries across South Asia and South East Asia spread over an area of 486 800 km2 with a population of c. 48 323–51 680 in the wild and c. 15 000 in captivity. The major threats to the survival of the species are habitat shrinkage and fragmentation, human–elephant conflict, poaching and illegal trade of elephant body parts. The elephant populations of Vietnam, Sumatra and Myanmar are under great threat with only 100–130 elephants left in the wild in Vietnam. Apart from ivory, the trade of other body parts of elephants, especially the skin trade, has increased in last few years further threatening the elephant population. This trade could result in indiscriminate killing of elephants of both sexes threatening the fragile elephant population in the region. Human–elephant conflict has become a significant threat for the conservation of Asian elephants across their range of distribution and needs to be managed urgently to prevent retaliation. The welfare and care of elephants in captivity is a major concern as are the training methods used with these elephants. There is also a need to create and conform to a uniform registration system for elephants in human care to prevent illegal trade of individuals.