Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758
THREATS
Extensive modification of elephant habitats by man has resulted in continuous contraction of the elephants distribution. The conversion of forested areas to agricultural use can lead to serious elephant-human conflicts. In 1985 at Syamtalira Bayu (Indonesia) elephants reportedly destroyed 270,000 rubber seedlings and 14,000 young trees in one plantation. The cost of the damage from three weeks of crop raiding was estimated at US $12,000.1 Human presence in elephant habitat can lead to fatalities; up to 300 people are killed in India by elephants annually.4
In some countries compensation for crop damage or deaths caused by elephants is provided, but there is still often strong political pressure on wildlife authorities to eliminate elephants near populated regions. As human populations increase elephant-human conflicts are likely to rise.
Poaching of Asian Elephants for ivory and other parts of the body is a serious problem. In 1990 it was estimated that 50 elephants a week were being shot in Myanmar and products traded on the black market in Thailand.2 Selective removal of 'tusker' males may lead to a spread of tuskless males in the population.3 In 1995-1996 poaching of the Asian Elephant for hide, meat and ivory increased sharply. TRAFFIC is planning on investigating this rise in illegal trade.4
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