August 12 marks World Elephant Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the critical threats facing elephants and promoting efforts to protect these majestic creatures. Established in 2012, World Elephant Day brings global attention to the challenges elephants encounter in the wild.
The Asian elephant, once roaming vast territories across Asia, is now listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), more than 100,000 Asian elephants may have existed at the beginning of the 20th century. However, their numbers have declined by at least 50 percent over the past 100 years.
Among the numerous challenges they face, habitat loss and conflicts with human communities remain major threats. As human populations expand, elephant habitats continue to shrink and become more fragmented. This leads to increased contact and often conflict between people and elephants, resulting in crop damage, property destruction, and sometimes tragic outcomes for both humans and elephants.
In response to these challenges, new technologies are emerging as vital tools in fostering harmony between humans and elephants. From early warning systems that alert communities of nearby elephant movements to the use of drones for monitoring herds, technology is playing a crucial role in minimizing conflicts.
In countries like India and Sri Lanka, conservationists are employing GPS tracking collars to monitor elephant movements, allowing for real-time data that helps communities prepare and avoid potential conflicts. Additionally, innovative solutions such as beehive fences are being used to deter elephants from entering farmlands, capitalizing on elephants’ natural aversion to bees.
These technological advancements not only aid in protecting human lives and livelihoods but also contribute to the conservation of elephants by reducing the likelihood of retaliatory killings. By embracing innovation and fostering collaboration between governments, conservation organizations, and local communities, there is hope for a future where humans and elephants coexist peacefully.
On this World Elephant Day, it is imperative to recognize the importance of such efforts and support initiatives that promote harmony between humans and elephants. The survival of the Asian elephant depends on our collective action to address the challenges they face and to embrace solutions that benefit both wildlife and people.
Reference(s):
New technologies help build harmony between human and elephants
cgtn.com
