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

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