Asian Elephants show declining trend

 Asian elephant population across range countries are on a deciding trend according to International Union for nature and natural resources ( IUCN). India which houses more than 60 percent of Asian elephants showed a decline of 10 percent in population in 2017 Census when compared to 2012 Census. Country has nearly 27300 Asian elephants. South Indian states have more than 11000 elephants and Kerala has nearly 3000 elephants. Compared to previous years substantial reduction in domesticated Asian elephants say captive Asian elephants are observed in the State which forms only 400 in number. Moreover increasing incidences of diseases paved way for death of many captive Asian elephants. Impaction was one of the major disease manifestations which caused the death of more than 25 percent of captive Asian elephants over the last 15 years. This is due to errors in scientific feed management and improper management. Climatic variations, poor stress management, over work and cruelty issues also precipitate to poor health management. Moreover unlike in other Asian range countries, in India there is no retiring age for elephants. They compelled to do work till death. Arthritis, Tuberculosis, Herpes infection, etc also started affecting the health of both captive and wild elephants. One of elephant owners suggested that it is very difficult to rear elephants profitability due to strict regulatory measures. Moreover Covid 19 lockdown affected the festivals which inturn made the elephants to be idle at elephant yards. Recent findings by PETA reveals that tuberculosis is seen more among captive Asian elephants. 

Across the world all the countries are giving more emphasis to conservation measures. IUCN, International elephant foundation and Asian elephants foundation suggest that across the world extinction is forever but for endangered we could do something. Asian elephants which are coming under the red category under conservation need to be conserved strategically in the Asian range countries. 

All zoological parks of developed countries consider elephants as a rare species. They will allow visitors to see them only at a social distance. We are currently follow ing social distancing to control Covid 19 during the lockdown period. But all zoological parks of developed countries fear that infection may occur from human beings to elephants. Policy framework to adhere these guidelines need to be strictly adhered.

Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan

Member, Commission on education and communication

 IUCN

ReplyForward

Elephants-Research Highlights

RESEARCH and EDUCATION

Determining Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of the Antivirual Drug Ganciclovir in Asian Elephants
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a significant cause of mortality in young Asian elephants, contributing to at least 65% of juvenile deaths in the captive population. Two EEHV-infected calves have been treated with ganciclovir, an antiviral drug which has been successfully used in human medicine, and both calves survived. Appropriate dosages and dosing intervals to maintain therapeutic blood levels of ganciclovir in elephants needs to be established in order to guarantee effective treatment and to minimize drug-associated side effects. This pharmacokinetic study will measure levels of ganciclovir in the plasma of Asian elephants following intravenous administration. Confirmation that therapeutic blood levels of ganciclovir are achieved after treatment and establishment of an appropriate treatment regimen will provide a scientifically based protocol for others to follow when treating EEHV-infected elephant calves with this promising antiviral drug.

Elephant Endothelial Cells: A System to Isolate Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs) are a leading cause of neonatal/juvenile deaths in Asian elephants. To date, scientists have identified several herpesviruses but have not yet isolated them from infected tissues of sick animals. It is believed that the virus present in secretions, blood, or tissues of infected animals can be isolated in the lab in an elephant endothelial-cell culture. Once the virus is isolated, significant understanding of the biology of the virus and the pathophysiology of the disease will be possible. This would constitute a major advance for improving the health and management of African and Asian Elephants, and greatly contribute to their conservation worldwide.

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Research
IEF has been a primary funder of the National Herpesvirus laboratory at the Smithsonian National Zoo since 2008 and funds multiple studies aimed at identifying the causes of EEHV in an effort to prevent future EEHV fatalities. Studies include identifying the status of EEHV in individual elephants and their potential for further transmission, and identify predisposing factors that make specific elephants more susceptible to the disease and identifying effective treatments. EEHV is a serious concern for both wild and managed elephant populations.

GnRH Vaccination as a Potential Way to Control Fertility and Androgen Driven Behavior in African and Asian Elephant Bulls
Social behavior of free-ranging adult elephant bulls differs from that of females. A solitary life, increased aggression and periods of musth characterize the mature bulls’ behavior. In their range countries, free ranging musth bulls damage settlements and crops. Animal welfare issues, as well as conflicts between wild bulls and humans underline the urgent need of solutions. Recently, trials of reversible chemical castration of elephant bulls with the help of a GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone) vaccine have been undertaken and appear promising as a new simple and cost-effective contraception method. However, further studies are necessary to show the effectiveness and safety of this vaccine. This study will involve four vaccinations within one year and regular monitoring of the antibody titer, of physiological and behavioral changes, of the reproductive tract (through ultrasound), of the semen quality and hormonal changes.

IEF Elephant Research Symposium
Every year IEF facilitates an International Elephant Conservation and Research Symposium. In 2011, this gathering of elephant conservationists and researchers from around the world will be convened in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in October. This symposium offers elephant experts the unique opportunity to learn from others and share information in order to further conservation efforts of elephants in the wild.

IEF Funded Projects during 2011

The following elephant conservation projects will receive support from IEF in 2011:


ASIAN ELEPHANT PROJECTS

Sumatra Elephant Conservation Response Units (CRU), Indonesia
If the elephants living on the Indonesian island of Sumatra are to be saved for the future, conservation programs that promote elephants and people co-existing peacefully are necessary. As a long-time supporter of elephant conservation in Sumatra, IEF has invested almost $500,000 to support Conservation Response Units (CRU), providing once neglected captive elephants with high quality care and an active lifestyle, and providing the mahouts (elephant caretakers) with training and salary. The CRU elephant/mahout teams are employed to carry out forest patrols and wildlife monitoring, as well as provide educational workshops about elephants in neighboring communities. Creating this positive link between people and elephants, and ensuring that these elephants are seen as an important national resource and doing positive deeds, is helping local communities and decision-makers recognize the value of protecting the elephants of Sumatra.

ElefantAsia’s Breeding Sanctuary and Hospital Program, Laos
With domesticated elephant numbers plummeting due to low reproduction rates, it is vital that cows are given the optimum opportunity to breed. ElefantAsia will be opening the first breeding sanctuary, elephant hospital and laboratory on the grounds of the Lao Elephant Sanctuary. This project will provide elephant owners incentives to breed their elephants raising the birth rate of endangered Asian elephants in Laos, while offering local and international visitors a new educational tourism experience via observation towers where they can view cows interacting with their calves. ElefantAsia’s elephant hospital and laboratory will provide Laos with a much-needed center for elephant disease diagnosis, pathology and veterinary care.

Evaluation of Elephant Herpesvirus Shedding Among In Situ Asian Elephants
Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) has been associated with rapidly progressing, fatal hemorrhagic disease in Asian elephants in human care and in the wild. Using a rapid and sensitive test based on real-time PCR, it has been determined that captive Asian elephants from several herds frequently shed EEHV1 in trunk secretions, and these secretions are a likely mode of viral transmission between animals. However, important questions remain regarding the frequency of persistent EEHV1 infection within wild Asian elephant populations and when EEHV1 infection entered Asian elephant populations. The objectives of this project are to determine whether wild Asian elephants show evidence of persistent EEHV1 infection and to perform detailed DNA sequence analysis to characterize the evolutionary history of the viruses being shed by wild elephants. Data generated from this project will be invaluable in our understanding of the prevalence and history of EEHV1 infection in Asian elephants.

Promoting Human-Elephant Coexistence in Karnataka, Southern India through Survey, Education and Awareness Programs
In 2009, a series of training and awareness programs in human-elephant conflict areas of Karnataka were held in order to promote human-elephant coexistence. A successful education module was developed by Zoo Outreach Organization for both literate and illiterate audiences of age groups from school going children to adults. This project will assess the impact of the training and awareness program that took place in 2009 and to evaluate any attitude and behavioral changes towards problem elephants. This project will also use the Zoo Outreach Organization’s education module in the districts of Hassan and Coorg which are additional target areas to promote human-elephant coexistence.

Publication of the Gajah, the Journal of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group
Gajah is the Journal of the IUCN/Asian Elephant Specialist Group. With long-term support from IEF, Gajah shares best practices and builds capacity amongst conservationists and researchers and to those interested in the care and conservation of the Asian elephant, both wild and those in human care.

AFRICAN ELEPHANT PROJECTS

Joint Conservancy Anti-Poaching Team with the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Kenya
Since the Northern Rangeland Trust’s (NRT) inception in 2004, poaching and other security-related incidents in northern Kenya have decreased largely because of the development of NRT and its 17 community conservancies. However, poaching still remains a threat in this region, due to the large number of illegal firearms in the hands of local people, and relative proximity to unstable countries on the northern and eastern borders of Kenya. IEF and NRT, with support from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, have partnered to develop a Joint Conservancy Anti-Poaching Team that is greatly enhancing the wildlife protection and monitoring in the region. This team, first and foremost, is protecting elephants by deterring incidents of poaching from occurring and, when unfortunate incidents of poaching do arise within NRT communities, by providing a dedicated team of skilled anti-poaching officers immediately available to respond to and resolve these issues. In 2011, IEF signed a partnership agreement with NRT, thus making a strong commitment to support this critical project for the next 3 years.

Disseminating Lessons Learned and Building Capacity through Pachyderm
Pachyderm, the journal of the African Elephant, African Rhino and Asian Rhino Specialist Groups of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission, provides a vital venue for the publication of research into the status and conservation of the African elephant. The Chair Report, in addition to reports from the CITES Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants and Elephant Trade Information System monitoring programs, provides an international overview into current policy issues and conservation discussions surrounding elephants. Pachyderm is an essential vehicle for publishing manuscripts by range state researchers, thereby assisting in developing capacity at the scientific and managerial level within the African elephant range.

Elephants, Crops and People and the Waterways Project, Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF)
This multi-year partnership between IEF and Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) has resulted in the development of a system of fencing and trenches that keep elephants out of fields and villages while protecting human lives and allowing children to attend school without a fear of elephants. This project has also constructed and equipped multiple boat patrol stations on the shores of Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These boat patrols are already having a significant impact on the ability to protect wildlife and prevent elephant and hippopotamus poaching, illegal fishing.

Park Protection and Training Program in Kafue National Park, Zambia
Game Rangers International (GRI) is committed to working in close cooperation with the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and the local Community Resources Boards to protect the territories of more than 950 wild elephants. However, recent evidence has shown that elephant populations in south Kafue are being attacked by poachers posing as fishermen and using Lake Itezhi-Tezhi to access the Park. Currently, ZAWA does not have the means to respond to this threat. Therefore, GRI is determined to expand the Park Protection & Training Program to include Water Patrols, Surveillance and Monitoring of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, providing increased security the wildlife. To achieve this mission, GRI will use boats to patrol the lake and will provide specific training to ZAWA officers and Village Scouts.

Program "My Elephant Neighbor"
Exposing African children to their elephant neighbors in a positive manner is an effective way to involve them and their families in elephant conservation. Since the inception of the “My Elephant Neighbor” program, over 2,500 children and 300 teachers have participated in this outreach program with ongoing support from IEF. The program offers a unique opportunity to see the local elephants and learn about them in the field. This program benefits elephant conservation as both children and their parents are sensitized to the issues of neighboring elephant populations.

Save The Elephants
IEF funding has supported the core operation of Iain Douglas-Hamilton’s Save The Elephants (STE) conservation organization that operates projects throughout Africa. STE does basic research on elephant behavior and ecology and has pioneered GPS radio tracking with elephants, assists wildlife departments in their fight against ivory traders and poachers using aerial surveillance and radio-tracking, involves local people in research and education to develop a conservation ethic based on local knowledge and elephant needs, and disseminates information through films and publications.

Supporting Village Scout Anti-poaching Work in South Luangwa, Zambia
This project provides training to scouts and the community to protect and conserve elephants in their region. Monitoring data suggests that elephant poaching activities in the South Luangwa National Park and surrounding game management areas continue to increase, despite improvements in law enforcement. The direct and immediate benefits of this anti-poaching work will be a decrease in elephant mortalities from poaching, a reduction in the number of elephants controlled for crop raiding and also a reduction in the number of elephant fatalities from snare and gunshot wounds.

Sustaining Protection for Nigeria’s Largest Elephant Population in Yankari Game Reserve, Nigeria.
Yankari contains the largest surviving population of elephants in Nigeria, which is also one of the largest in West Africa. Estimated at about 350 individuals, this is perhaps the only viable elephant population remaining in the country. From January to July 2010 with IEF support, there were 1,606 patrol hours covering a distance of more than 8,800km with 69 arrests made. IEF will be continuing its support of this project for another year. The project’s goal in 2011 is to improve the long-term conservation of elephants in Yankari Game Reserve by 1) providing support for regular, effective anti-poaching patrols, and 2) further strengthening the existing ranger-based CyberTracker monitoring system.

2011 INTERNATIONAL ELEPHANT AND RHINO CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

2011 INTERNATIONAL ELEPHANT AND RHINO CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM


The Rotterdam Zoo in association with the International Elephant Foundation (IEF) would like to invite you to participate in the 2011 Elephant and Rhino Research and Conservation Symposium scheduled for October 10-14, 2011 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

This year IEF welcomes to the elephant symposium our colleagues working with all species of rhinos, both in human care and in the wild. Elephants and rhinos face similar problems in the wild (habitat loss and poaching), and many animal managers, field conservationists, veterinarians and researchers work with both rhino and elephant. 

Registration fees will be 250 Euros which will include congress fee, ice-breaker, lunches, beverages offered during the congress, dinner at the Zoo (Wednesday night).

Submissions for oral presentations and posters on all aspects of elephant conservation and research are now being accepted.

For more information about the meeting please contact:

Martin van Wees, Rotterdam Zoo, m.van.wees@rotterdamzoo.nl
Dr. Harald Schwammer, Zoo Vienna, hschwammer@ zoovienna.at
Deborah Olson, International Elephant Foundation, dolson@elephantconservation.org

Hotel Information:

Hotel Rotterdam-Blijdorp
Energieweg 2
3041 JC Rotterdam
T: +31 (0)102 98 87 77
F: +31 (0)102 98 87 88
E: rotterdam-blijdorp@valk.com
http://www.valk.com/pages/?id=3376&propertycode=bli
Single room: EURO 105,- per night, excl. 5.5% City tax, including breakfast.
Double room: EURO 115,- per night, excl. 5.5% City tax, including breakfast.

The contact person at the hotel is Sonja Koremans (Sales manager), +31-6-83246708, s.koremans@rotterdam-blijdorp.valk.nl

Elephants becomes the Heritage animal of the country
Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan
Government of India had declared elephant as the Heritage animal. This decision was taken based on the report submitted by expert committee constituted to study the situation of Elephants in the country. The committee was headed by Prof.Rangarajan. Prominent members include Dr.R.Sukumar, Ajay Desai, Suparna Gangully, etc.The committee studied in detail about the situation of wild and domesticated elephants in the country.Human elephant conflict is a very important issue among wild and captive elephants in the country. Destruction of corridors, frequent train accidents, poaching, destruction of habitats, climatic variations, diseases and frequent outbreaks affect elephants which is in the schedule one list of endangered animals.In long run trade of elephants by private parties will be curtailed with this decesion. Owneship of elephants will be with the Government. Government will assure all welfare mesures needed for conserving this largest living mammal on the earth. Purchase of elephants, trade, using elephants for different purposes etc will come to an end in the near future. But using of elephants for religious and ceremonious purposes are allowed to continue till complete protocoals are framed.
As far as India is concerned, total population of Asian elephants are nearly 30000.There are 3500 domesticated elephants are there in the country. Kerala a tiny state which occupies 1.13 percent geographic area of the country has 700 domesticated elephants. They are widely used for festivals, processions and other public functions.Compared to any other state in the country elephant welfare measures are excellent in the state. Animal welfare organisations and media are very vigilant in assessing the welfare status of elephants in the state. Department of forests, Animal Husbandry and Dewaswom boards are very active in providing scientific feeding, management and disease control measures to elephants.
Eventhough Animal welfare activists, elephant lovers and conservationists welcomed the decision of declaring elephant as the heritage animal, festival authorities are making protest against this decision. They argue that it will be difficult to organise temple festivals without the use of elephants. Moreover they allege that envisaged welfare measures of the forest depatment will not be sufficient to conserve this largest living mammal.
But the decision in long run will be elephant friendly and will save the animal which is on the verge of extinction. Compared to African elephants, Asian elephant population and male female ratio is getting reduced day by day. But it is the duty of the policy makers and authorities to implement the decision without affectinf the welfare of the elephants.

MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO MITIGATE HUMAN- ELEPHANT CONFLICT AMONG CAPTIVE ASIAN ELEPHANTS IN INDIA

MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO MITIGATE HUMAN- ELEPHANT CONFLICT AMONG CAPTIVE ASIAN ELEPHANTS IN INDIA

T.P.Sethumadhavan MVSc* 1, R.Radhika MVSc 2K.C.Panicker MVSc, PhD 3

1.T.P.Sethumadhavan, Assistant Director & Veterinary Scientist, Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Kerala, India;2R.Radhika, Assistant Professor Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy.Thrissur, Kerala, India;3. K.C.Panicker, Professor and Head (Retd), Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Kerala Agricultural University & Secretary, Elephant Welfare Association, Thrissur, India

Abstract
Introduction

Human- elephant conflict among captive Asian elephants is an important area of concern in India. Recent findings revealed that due to Human-elephant conflict 352 human lives were lost during the last three decades in Kerala, India. Of which more than 94 Percent victims are mahouts.
The study was conducted during the festival season from January to May 2009 in Kerala state, India that occupies only 1.13percent geographic area of the country. Human-elephant interaction is more in the state where tuskers are used for festivals and processions. Kerala has more than 700 captive Asian elephants. As part of the study 240 captive Asian elephants were randomly selected to find out the cause and to formulate measures to reduce the Human-elephant conflict.
Methodology
Different variables like history, previous incidence of H-E conflict, feeding, management; season, age, musth incidence, behavior, transportation, breeding and diseases were identified. Primary data were collected from stakeholders involved in elephant welfare like veterinarians, mahouts, elephant owners, festival organizers, policy makers and elephant lovers with the help of interview schedule. Secondary data were collected from published reports of Elephant Welfare Association, departments of Animal Husbandry, Department of Forest & Wild life, Govt of Kerala, IEF compendium, etc. Focus group discussions were also conducted. Major interventions affecting above variables were identified and a SWOT analysis was conducted. Based on the findings, modification of existing management protocols were done to reduce the increasing incidence of H-E conflict.
Results and Discussion
Based on the above findings a management system was formulated to reduce the stress after taking in to account the major variables identified. It includes best feeding and management practices, musth forecasting system, scientific disease control system, good transportation practices, and best management practices during transport and festivals.

The formulated scientific management system, which were administered during 2007and 2008 were further modified and applied on 240 captive Asian elephants during the festival season January to May 2009. Series of Mahout training programmes and awareness seminars were conducted to create awareness on scientific management practices among mahouts, public and students. Interventions in transportation norms were followed. Protocol for control of elephants and role of mahouts were well defined and implemented. Based on the SWOT analysis and focus group discussion remedial measures were identified with regard to breeding, feeding, management, season, age, musth incidence, musth forecasting, Mahout training, behavior, over work, cruelty, transportation and disease control in tune with captive elephant management rule enacted by the Government. As a result the incidence of Human elephant conflict could be reduced up to 93 percent in the state. Study revealed that there exists a positive correlation between variables like Human Elephant conflict, incidence of musth, poor feeding and management practices.




Introduction

Human- elephant conflict is an important area of concern in India. It is prevalent among wild and captive Asian elephants. Recent findings revealed that due to Human-elephant conflict 352 human lives are lost during the last three decades in Kerala, India. Of which more than 94 Percent victims are mahouts.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted in the southern most state of India which is only 1.13percent geographic area of the country. Human-elephant interaction is more in the state where tuskers are used for festivals and processions. Kerala has more than 700 captive Asian elephants. As part of the study 240 captive Asian elephants were randomly selected to find out the cause and to formulate measures to reduce the Human-elephant conflict.

Variables like feeding, management; season, age, musth incidence, behavior, transportation, breeding and diseases were identified. Data were collected from stakeholders involved in elephant welfare like veterinarians, mahouts, elephant owners, festival organizers, policy makers and elephant lovers with the help of interview schedule. Focus group discussions were also conducted. Major interventions affecting above variables were identified and a SWOT analysis was done. Based on the findings a management protocols were developed to reduce the increasing incidence of H-E conflict.







Results and discussion
Major findings, which cause Human-elephant conflict are stress due to over work, poor chances of breeding, unscientific feeding and management, prolonged standing in festivals, improper musth management, poor musth forecasting system, heat stress, poor transportation and disease management.
SWOT analysis
Strength
Weakness
Opportunities
Threat
1. Literacy
2.700 Captive Asian Elephants
3.Captive Elephant management rule 2003
4 Network of veterinary institutions
5.Media awareness
6.Elephant loving culture

1.Over work
2.Poor chances of breeding
3.Improper feeding and watering
4. Poor musth management
5. Transportation stress
1. Captive elephant management rule
2.Musth forecasting system
3.Extension programmes
4.Good mahout practices
5.Management protocols
1.Seasonal variation
2. Increasing musth incidents during winter
3.Poor management practices
4. Unscientific mahout practices
5.Improper implementation of captive elephant management rule
6.Cruelty on elephants
6.Over work
7.Traditional festival practices
8. Un predictable behavior of elephants

Based on the above findings a management system was formulated to reduce the stress after taking in to account the major variables identified. It includes best feeding and management practices, musth forecasting system, scientific disease control system and best management practices during transport and festivals.
The formulated scientific management system, which was administered during 2007 &2008 were modified and applied on 240 captive Asian elephants during the festival season January to May 2009. During festive season, when the elephants are compelled to stand more than 6 hours, measures were taken to frequently give succulent vegetables and fruits. They were allowed to walk on shady places. Wet gunny bags were placed underneath their foot. 12 hours rest period was made compulsory for elephants before moving to the next festivals. Series of Mahout training programmes and awareness seminars were conducted to create awareness on scientific management practices among mahouts, public and students. Interventions in transportation norms were followed. Elephants are allowed to walk only 20 km per day during morning and evening hours. Beyond 20 Km trucks were made compulsory as per captive elephant management rule prevalent in the state. Protocol for control of elephants and role of mahouts were well defined and implemented. Based on the SWOT analysis following remedial measures was identified in breeding, feeding, management, season, age, musth incidence, musth forecasting, Mahout training, behavior, over work, cruelty, transportation and disease control in tune with captive elephant management rule2003.

Management protocols
1. Elephants require a rest period of 12 hours before the next festival procession.
2. Elephants require adlibitum fodder/ green leaves and water just prior to festival procession/parade.
3. During festivals elephants were compelled to stand under scorching sunlight and on over heated floor. This causes stress and foot lesions. Sufficient shade should be provided at the procession venue. Frequent sprinkling of water on the floor and foot were suggested.
4. During transportation, elephants cannot be allowed to walk more than 20 Km at a time. It should be done during morning and evening hours. Trucks should be used for transportation for a distance of more than 40 Km. Sufficient care should be taken while transporting elephants in trucks.
5. During festivals where elephants are compelled to stand more than 8 hours at a time, succulent fruits like watermelon, banana and pineapple should be given.
6. A registered veterinary practitioner should examine elephants before they are put to use in festivals.
7. Animals showing pre-musth, musth and post musth symptoms should not be allowed to participate in the festivals.
8. Based on age, season and previous musth incidents, a musth forecasting system is developed. This can be used as a ready reckoner for screening process.
9. Mahouts must be trained as per captive elephant management rule 2003.
10. Awareness programmes for public, festival organizers, students and elephant lovers are suggested.
The above protocols were applied to elephants during the peak festival season from January to May 2009.As a result the incidence of Human elephant conflict could be reduced up to 93 percent in the state. Study revealed that there exists a positive correlation between Human Elephant conflict and poor feeding and management practices.
Literature cited-
1. Chandrasekharan. K (2002); specific diseases of Asian elephants; J. Ind Vet Assoc; Special issue on elephants, 7(2); pp-31-34.

2. Endangered elephants-past, present and future; proceedings published in connection with Symposium on Human-elephant relationships and conflicts held at Sri Lanka-September2003.

3. J. Ind. Vet. Assoc.-Special issue on Asian Elephants; (2002) 7(3).

4. Proceedings of 2007 International elephant conservation and research symposium held at
Florida from November2-4, 2007.
Acknowledgments

Authors are thankful to the Elephant welfare association, Thrissur, Kerala for providing facilities for conducting the study and Conservation and research center, Smithsonian institution, USA for providing capacity building in elephant conservation and endocrinology.

Major breakthrough in Musth Control in Elephants

Major Breakthrough in Musth Control in Elephants
Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan
As far as musth in elephants are concerned, it is a social issue. I t can be controlled through different ways. Research works of Professor Henk of South africa is really an eye opener to control musth in elephants. He along with a team of Scientists from Pretorea University formulated a protocol for controlling the musth incidents in African Elephants. It is throgh injecting a vaccine named GnRH vaccine which will reduce the quantity of testosterone hormone in tuskers. 600 microgram of GnRH vaccine is to be injected to elephants at an interval of 4th and 6th month respectively. this will hep to reduce the increasing incidences of Human-Elephant conflict in the world.