THE Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is an iconic species, revered in many cultures across Asia. In Malaysia, these majestic creatures hold a special place in the ecosystem and cultural heritage.
Tomorrow, we celebrate World Elephant Day to raise awareness about on the critical role elephants play in the ecosystems and the threats they face. This day serves as a call to advocate for stronger conservation policies and initiatives. It's also a time to celebrate the beauty, intelligence, and social structure of these magnificent creatures.
At the beginning of the 20th century, more than 100,000 Asian elephants may have existed. Today, the total is not known, but it has been roughly estimated that there are between 30,000 and 50,000 Asian elephants remaining, as opposed to 10 times as many African elephants.
Asian elephants live in matriarchal herds, of breeding groups of three to 40 females and young. Females give birth to a single calf, sometimes twins, after a 21-month gestation period.
A unique feature of the elephant social system is called allomothering behaviour, where females share the burden of protecting and looking after calves that aren't their own. Males leave the herd upon maturity to join other males, or live in solitude. They only seek females to mate.
HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION
Asian elephants continue to exist in isolated populations across much of their historical range. In Peninsular Malaysia, these majestic creatures can still be found in six of the 11 states.
The most viable populations are likely to exist within the three largest forested areas, which include significant protected regions. Taman Negara, located in central Peninsular Malaysia, spans 4,343 square kilometres and is the largest intact forest block in the region. The Belum-Temengor complex, situated in the north, and the Endau-Rompin landscape in the south are also crucial habitats.
In Peninsular Malaysia, there are only two reliable elephant population estimates based on dung counts from a couple of protected areas, both conducted over a decade ago.
This highlights the urgent need for updated assessments to better understand the current state of the population and to intensify efforts to preserve the remaining southern population of elephants in the peninsula.
ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
Elephants are often referred to as "ecosystem engineers". Their feeding habits, which involve knocking down trees and trampling vegetation, create clearings that enable sunlight to reach the forest floor, fostering the growth of new plants. This process supports a variety of other species, from insects to larger mammals.
Moreover, the large home ranges of elephants mean that their movements influence vast areas of forest. By dispersing seeds far and wide, they contribute to genetic diversity and the resilience of forest ecosystems. The loss of elephants would thus have cascading effects on the biodiversity of these habitats.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Elephants have been integral to Asian cultures for centuries, symbolising strength, wisdom, and divinity. In Hinduism, the elephant-headed Lord Ganesha holds a paramount place.
Known as the Remover of Obstacles, Ganesha is honoured at the beginning of all sacred rituals and ceremonies. His image embodies wisdom, prosperity, and the successful removal of challenges, making him a beloved and widely worshipped deity across the Hindu world.
THREATS TO SURVIVAL
Despite their significance, Asian elephants in Malaysia face severe threats, primarily due to human activities. Habitat loss is the most pressing issue, driven by deforestation for agriculture, palm oil plantations, and urban development. As their natural habitats shrink, elephants are forced into closer contact with human settlements, leading to human-elephant conflicts.
These conflicts often result in damage to crops and property, and sometimes even fatalities. Farmers, whose livelihoods are threatened by these encounters, may resort to harmful measures to protect their land, including poisoning or shooting elephants.
Another major threat is poaching, driven by the demand for ivory and other body parts. Although Malaysia has strict laws against poaching, enforcement is challenging, and this illegal activity still persists. The loss of even a few individuals can have significant impacts on the small and fragmented elephant populations.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
The Asian elephant is classified as "Endangered" in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species™ due to poaching, illegal trade, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as human-elephant conflict.
Recognising the urgent need to protect Asian elephants, Malaysia has implemented several conservation initiatives. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and other organisations, including Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (Meme), World Wildlife Fund Malaysia (WWF) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) are actively involved in efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflicts and ensure the survival of these majestic creatures.
One such initiative is the establishment of elephant sanctuaries and conservation centres, such as the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre in Pahang. These centres provide refuge for displaced elephants and offer rehabilitation and relocation services. They also play a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of elephants and the need for their conservation.
Translocation programmes are another key strategy, involving the capture and relocation of elephants from conflict zones to protected areas. This not only reduces human-elephant conflicts, but also helps to sustain elephant populations in their natural habitats.
Community engagement is also a critical component of conservation efforts. By involving local communities in conservation activities and promoting alternative livelihoods that don't harm elephants, these programmes aim to foster coexistence and reduce conflicts.
ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY
Advancements in technology have significantly enhanced conservation efforts. The use of GPS collars and satellite tracking enables researchers to monitor elephant movements and behaviour in real-time. This data is invaluable for understanding their habitat use, migration patterns and the impacts of human activities.
Drones and camera traps are also employed to monitor elephant populations and detect poaching activities. These tools provide a non-invasive means of gathering information and improving the effectiveness of anti-poaching patrols.
The future of Asian elephants in Malaysia hinges on continued and enhanced conservation efforts. It requires a multifaceted approach that addresses habitat protection, conflict mitigation, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement.
Ensuring their future requires collective action and a deep commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Malaysia. Only through such efforts can we hope to see these magnificent creatures thrive in the wild for generations to come.