Are Thai Elephants Dying Out?​

Created By RISC | 2 years ago

Last modified date : 2 years ago

Elephants in Thailand are now only seen in conservation areas and zoos.​

They played a big role in the country’s ancient battles, provided transport, helping in farming, and were a symbol in Thailand’s old flag. Elephants still appear everywhere in souvenirs.​

But Thai elephants are now protected wildlife, listed under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. as “endangered” (IUCN 2008). They are on the first list of CITES prohibited trading and possession except for education, research, or breeding.​

Elephant numbers in Thailand have fallen in recent years due to shrinking habitat, hunting, and disturbance from human activities. Only an estimated 2,500-3,200 remain (IUCN Red List, 2009).​

​Elephants play a crucial role in nature by spreading seeds. Their dung is also a good fertilizer and a source of food for many insects and animals. If we can save elephants from extinction in the forest, we will have saved many lives.​

Story by: Kotchakorn Rattanama, Biodiversity Researcher, RISC​