Veterinary care of Asian timber elephants in India: Historical accounts and current observations

Abstract

AbstractWe discuss herein some of the historical factors that have influenced present day veterinary treatment and husbandry of Asian elephants used for timber extraction by Indian state forest departments. The British incorporated both indigenous and European practices into the veterinary management of timber elephants, and invested considerable time and energy to improve care and humane standards. The paper examines selected aspects of preventive and clinical treatment based on records from the Madras Presidency and present day Tamilnadu state. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.