Humanelephantconflict

Elephants-Research Highlights

2011-04-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-13T08:26:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2010-01-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

Who will win the battle?

2008-04-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Who will win the battle? Elephant or man?

Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan
Over the years for many reasons our forest cover has shrunk. Poachers are taking a toll on elephants. Now elephant is an endangered species. This is a serious issue. The Asian elephant, the symbol that once adorned flags and ancient temple grounds is being forced out of its forest home by logging, agricultural clearance and ill-planned development schemes.
From Indus valley to Ajanta caves, elephants lent wings to man’s artistic imagination. They expanded the horizons of literature in the writings of Valmiki, Vyasa and Kalidasa. Contrary to the elephant’s philosophy, they even went to the battlefield. Ideals of Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, with his plump human like body, are found throughout Asia in village homes. His head is sometimes adorned with jewels. Still worshipped as a god and honored as a scribe from India to Japan, this beleaguered animal is also relentlessly hunted for its ivory, leaving many populations with few, if any, male elephants. Poaching for ivory, which is only found in male Asian elephants, is severely affecting the sex ratio in some areas, notably south India, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Asian elephants live in the region of the world with the densest human population, which is growing about 3 per cent a year. Clearance of forests for settlement and agriculture is disrupting traditional elephant migration routes and leading to violent clashes between humans and animals when hungry elephants raid crops. The Asian elephant specialist group of the IUCN describes the current distribution of elephants in North, South, East and Northeastern forest divisions. Estimated population of elephants in the country according to Karnataka Forest Department (Census 2001) is around 28729. Of which more than 50% elephants are in South India. Continuously growing human population of tropical Asia has encroached upon the elephant’s dense but dwindling forest habitat. About 20 per cent of the world’s human population lives in or near the present range of the Asian elephant. Absence of good data and the difficulty of counting elephants that live in thick tropical forests means that it is almost impossible to quantify the decline in Asian elephant numbers.

The activity that is of serious consequence is the poaching of the male tuskers. Sex ratios in some parts of the elephant range reduced to even1: 90. While poaching has depleted the male population, the female population has been increasing over several decades. This leads to overabundance of elephants especially in the protected areas, which can have adverse impact on vegetation thus increasing human-elephant conflict. The major conservation problem today remains the exploitation of elephant habitat due to its fragmentation and degradation.

For the rural poor, whose life is a daily battle for economic survival, elephants can be a dangerous problem. Unless the damage they cause is adequately and promptly compensated, it is quite obvious that elephants and other wildlife will decline and eventually disappear from agricultural areas. Communities living in proximity to elephants can be hired as trackers, rangers, elephant drivers, and trainers at a fair wage scale comparable to employees hired from outside the region. Moreover long-term residents could also be trained and employed in protected area management, thus exploiting the opportunity for combining traditional knowledge with sound modern conservation approaches. Revenues from Ecotourism could be shared with communities through a direct percentage of return, or through employment in the tourism industry.

In order to protect existing protected areas we need to ensure that forest guards and national parks personnel have adequate salaries, equipments and infrastructure to provide effective protection for wildlife. Existing laws on the illegal killing of elephants and trade of wildlife products such as ivory need to be strengthened.
Elephants frequently move outside the borders of even the largest conservation areas: almost 70 per cent of the Asian elephant’s range is now outside national parks and reserves. Meanwhile, human populations in Asia are increasing at a rate of 2.5-3 per cent a year. Human elephant conflicts have become widespread, and unless innovative measures are adopted to address the concerns of the rural poor, Asian elephants will disappear in the wild throughout most of their range.
Many protected areas are surrounded by a landscape dominated by people, and wildlife authorities must pay attention to the concerns of the human population. Conservationists in Asia must adapt their strategies so as to improve people’s livelihoods because programmes designed for elephants will only succeed if they recognize the concerns and needs of people who compete with the elephants for resources. The emphasis, therefore, must be on accommodating both elephants and human beings.
In order to safeguard the future of elephants in Asia and to promote harmony between humans and elephants, large, well-managed reserves are required. Extended areas where human activities compatible with the existence of elephants need to be established as “managed elephant ranges”. Scientific research should also be strengthened in order to study elephant numbers, distribution and social behaviour. Regulations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) banning trade in Asian elephant products should be strongly enforced. Strict anti-poaching measures should also be established throughout the elephant’s range, along with the monitoring of vulnerable tuskers. For this the international community should provide support for regional, national and local elephant conservation strategies.
The key to reduce human–elephant conflict in Asia is, first and foremost, to encourage the adoption of sound land-use strategies that would make it more difficult for elephants to stray into human settlements. It will be important to develop mechanisms to predict where human-elephant conflicts are likely to occur, and to enlist the support of governments and local communities to undertake land-use planning in order to minimize the likelihood of such conflicts occurring. Through WWF-supported projects in India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Bhutan, Nepal, and Malaysia this problem is being assessed and solutions are being sought. People living in elephant areas could be assisted in protecting their homes so that they do not turn hostile towards elephants. All potential elephant corridor areas need to be identified, surveyed, and set aside to ensure the free movement of elephants.
The concept of “managed elephant ranges” offers a compromise whereby both elephants and people could share land resources. Land use practices beneficial to elephants, such as slow rotation timber harvesting, extraction of forest produce, or a low level of shifting cultivation could be practiced in these areas. Ways in which to minimize the human/elephant conflict need to be devised as one of Asia’s highest conservation priorities.

Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan

Breeding programme for Captive Asian Elephants

2008-03-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

Breeding programme for Captive Asian Elephants
Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan
India maintains nearly 50 percent of the world’s wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), 30,000 in number. In India, elephants are considered a major part of culture and religion. However, it remains an endangered species throughout its range because of poaching, loss of habitat and incidences of human elephant conflict. In some parts of India where the poaching of male tuskers is particularly high, sex ratios have been severely skewed to as high as 1:90 (males:females). In order to reduce the threats to elephants, the govt. of India is implementing Project Elephant – a major initiative to conserve elephants in the country. Measures undertaken by this project are protection and improvement of habitats and corridors for elephants, reducing human elephant conflict, creating awareness among people and addressing various issues related to conservation.
In India more than 60 percent of captive elephants are maintained in southern states. However, captive elephants have not received due attention from conservationists. Even Project Elephant concentrates only on wild elephants, and there is a tendency among conservationists and wildlife experts to neglect captive/domesticated elephants as just another category of livestock. Thus, conservationists and policy makers have in the past neglected captive elephants in favour of wild ones. Recently there has been a reappraisal of the role of captive elephants in the overall conservation of elephants. In India domestication of elephants is now considered a potential conservation and management tool, which is complementary to that of wild elephants. The problem is – reproductive rates among captive elephant populations in India are very low. Lack of adequate veterinary care and laboratory support to assess reproductive status are major constraints in providing adequate elephant health care and in developing successful breeding programs.
Kerala, the southern State of the country, is considered the “elephant state” of India with about 800 captive elephants. Here elephants are used mostly for festivals and processions and rarely in timber mills. One temple attached to Guruvayoor Devaswom holds more than 67 elephants.

In India (including in Kerala) captive breeding has not been a high priority. Elephant births have been rare and usually due to accidental breedings. Last year in October, an International Workshop on Captive Elephant Management held at Thrissur, Kerala, and this year in September a Symposium on Human-Elephant Relationships and Conflicts held at Colombo, Sri Lanka emphasized the need for captive breeding and regular monitoring of endocrine status of Asian elephants to enhance reproduction. Awareness about such conservation strategies and issues are comparatively less emphasized in India, however. As a result, little research on monitoring endocrine status and studying basic reproductive physiology has been done.
In order to implement a breeding program for captive elephants, more expertise is needed for Indian scientists.

Media and Elephant welfare

2008-02-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

Media and Elephant welfare
Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan

Content analysis of coverage on Elephant welfare in leading dailies of Kerala state, India revealed the following facts.
1. Coverage based on analysis of news on elephants
Table 2. Coverage based on analysis of news on elephants
Categories Coverage in %
Human elephant conflicts including attacks 21
Cruelty 4.5
Poor management 11
Over work 4
Training 5.5
Festivals 19
Veterinary care 16
Deaths 9.1
Transport 5.9
General 4

2.Media coverage based on different modes of presentation
Table 3. Column length of different modes of presentation
Different modes of presentation
In percentage
News articles 39
Feature stories 34
Illustrations 27

3. Frequency of occurrence of categories of news and modes of presentation

Table4. Frequency of occurrence of news - Based on different modes of presentation
Modes of presentation Frequency in days
News articles 5
Illustrations 7
Feature stories 14

4.Readability
Table5. Readability of the six dailies
Daily selected Readability (Fog index)
Malayala manorama 5.04
Mathrubhoomi 5.67
Desabhimani 5.57
Deepika 5.52
The Hindu 5
New Indian Express 4.9
Average 5.28

Measures to reduce Human-Elephant conflict among captive Asian elephants in Kerala, India

2008-01-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

Measures to reduce Human-Elephant conflict among captive Asian elephants in Kerala, India

T.P.Sethumadhavan, K.C.Panicker, R.Radhika

Abstract

The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) enjoys special status in India, which harbors over 28000 wild elephants. This is over 50% of the total population of this species in the world. More than 4000 elephants in domestication are in 24 states in the country. Human – elephant conflict among captive Asian elephants is acquiring momentum in the country. Recent findings revealed that due to human-elephant conflict 302 human lives are lost during the last three decades in India. Of which more than 95 Percent victims are mahouts. It is clear that mahouts who are closely associated with elephants create ill treatment to elephants, which makes them amok.
This study was conducted in the southern most state of India, Kerala that occupies only 1.13percent geographic area of the country. But the state has more than 700 captive Asian elephants. As part of the study 200 captive Asian elephants were randomly selected to find out the cause and to formulate measures to reduce the Human-elephant conflict. In kerala tuskers are used for festivals and processions. Human-elephant interaction is more in the state.

Different variables like breeding, feeding, management, season, age, musth incidence, behavior, transportation and diseases were identified. Major interventions affecting above variables were identified and a SWOT analysis was done. Major findings, which cause Human-elephant conflict are poor chances of breeding, unscientific feeding and management, prolonged standing in festivals, unscientific musth management, poor musth forecasting system, heat stress, poor transportation and disease management. Based on the above findings a management system was formulated to reduce the stress after taking in to account the major variables identified. The management system 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 was administered on 200 captive Asian elephants during the festival season 2007. During festive season, when the elephants are compelled to stand more than 6 hours, measures were taken to frequently give watery vegetables like cucumber and watermelon. In order to reduce heat stress they were allowed to walk on shady places. Wet gunny bags were placed underneath their foot. Shamianas were made on their standing space to protect them from scorching sunlight. 12 hours rest period was made compulsory for elephants before moving to the next festivals. Mahouts were given training in scientific management practices. As part of transportation norms, 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. Awareness programme for the public and students were conducted as part of the study.
The study findings revealed that best captive elephant management practices could reduce 80 percent of the human-elephant conflict. In order to reduce stress, variables like scientific feeding & management, disease control and management during musth need proper attention. There is a positive correlation between season and incidence of musth. Musth forecasting system can reduce Human- elephant conflict and maintain sustainable human- elephant relation ship.

Introduction-

Kerala is one of the smallest states in India, named as ‘Gods own country’ which occupies less than 1.13 percent geographic area of the country has more than 700 captive Asian elephants. Due to mechanization in timber mills elephants are used for festivals in temples, mosques and churches. Moreover elephants are used in public processions. More numbers of elephants are associated with Temples. One of the famous temples Guruvayoor Dewaswom has more than 65 Elephants. Tuskers’ are mainly used for festivals in Kerala. In Kerala festival season begins from October and extends up to the month of May. The season can be divided in to pre-festive and peak seasons. Peak season starts from the month of January and extends up to May. Elephants are compelled to stand up to 6-8 hours per day during the festival season in temples, mosques and churches. Over work, unscientific feeding, poor management, frequent musth incidents, poor chances of breeding, extreme hot during summer coupled with cruelty on elephants creates stress among tuskers which make them amok and result in Human Elephant conflict.
Recent findings revealed that due to Human-elephant conflict 302 human lives are lost during the last three decades in Kerala. Of which more than 95 Percent victims are mahouts. It is clear that mahouts who are closely associated with elephants create ill treatment to elephants, which makes them amok. Thus human elephant conflicts among captive Asian elephant elephants are an unsolved issue in the state.

Need for the study-

The increasing incidence of Human elephant conflict affects the socio, cultural, environmental and economic situation of the state. So a study was conducted to find out the cause for human elephant conflict and identified the measures, which can reduce this menace. These measures were applied during the festival season for the required results. As part of the study 200 captive Asian elephants were randomly selected to find out the cause and to formulate measures to reduce the Human-elephant conflict. 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.

Methodology-

200 captive Asian elephants used for festivals were randomly selected during the festival season2007. A SWOT analysis was done to assess the existing system and to identify the cause and suggestive measures for reducing the increasing number of human elephant conflict in the state. Based on this a management system and protocols in tune with captive elephant management rule existing in the state were suggested. Different variables like breeding, feeding, management, season, age, musth incidence, behavior, over work, cruelty, transportation and diseases were identified. Major interventions affecting above variables were identified and a SWOT analysis were done.
Results-
SWOT analysis was done to assess the situation-

Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat
1.Total literacy2.700 Captive Asian Elephants3. Captive Elephant management rule 20034.Complete network of veterinary institutions5 Media awareness6.Elephant loving people 1.Compelled to do over work2.No chances of breeding3.Poor feeding and watering4.Improper musth management5.Unscientific transportation 1.Implementation of captive elephant management rule2.Musth forecasting system3.Implementation of awareness programmes4.Good mahout practices5.Rising number of Elephant lovers 1.Seasonal fluctuation2.Musth incidents are more seen during winter3.Improper management practices4.Poor mahout practices5.Problems with the implementation of captive elephant management rule6.Cruelty on elephants6.Over work7.Traditional festival practices8.Revenge-un predictable behavior of elephants

Based on the SWOT analysis following remedial measures were 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.
A management system was developed with the following protocols.
1. Elephants have to be given adlibitum fodder/ green leaves and water just prior to festival procession/parade.
2. Elephants need a rest period of 12 hours before the next festival procession.
3. During festival season they are compelled to stand under scorching sunlight and on over heated floor. This causes stress and foot lesions. So sufficient shade should be provided at the procession venue. Frequent sprinkling of water on the floor and foot are suggested.
4. During transportation, elephants cannot be allowed to walk more than 20 hours 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 elephants are compelled to stand more than 8 hours at a time. So during this period 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 2007.As a result of the incidence of Human elephant conflict can be reduced up to 80 percent in the state. Positive correlation between Human Elephant conflict and poor feeding and management practices were noticed in the study.
(Authors are thankful to the Elephant welfare association, Kerala for providing facilities for conducting the study)
References-
1.Journal of Indian Veterinary Association-special issue on Asian Elephants; Vol7 Issue3.
2.Endangered elephants-past, present and future; compendium published in connection with Symposium on Human-elephant relationships and conflicts held at Sri Lanka-Sptember2003.
1.Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan, MVSc (Veterinary Extension), Trained from Smithsonian Institution, CRC, Virginia, USA in Hormonal assay and conservation, working in the field of elephant conservation since 1990, Assistant Director & Veterinary Scientist, Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Kerala, India
Address- Keerthanam, 1/32, Capital Homes, Punkunnam, Thrissur-2, Kerala, India

2.Dr. K.C.Panicker, MVSc, PhD, Professor (Retd), Kerala agricultural University, Elephant Expert, South India
3.Dr. R.Radhika, MVSc (Veterinary Parasitology) Veterinary surgeon, Animal husbandry department, Government of Kerala, India.

Human-Elephant conflict among captive Asian elephants in Kerala

Kerala is one of the smallest states in India, named as ‘Gods own country’ which occupies less than 1.13 percent geographic area of the country has more than 700 captive Asian elephants. Due to mechanization in timber mills elephants are used for festivals in temples, mosques and churches. Moreover elephants are used in public processions. More numbers of elephants are associated with Temples. One of the famous temples Guruvayoor Dewaswom has more than 65 Elephants. Tuskers’ are mainly used for festivals in Kerala. In Kerala festival season begins from October and extends up to the month of May. The season can be divided in to pre-festive and peak seasons. Peak season starts from the month of January and extends up to May. Elephants are compelled to stand up to 6-8 hours per day during the festival season in temples, mosques and churches. Over work, unscientific feeding, poor management, frequent musth incidents, poor chances of breeding, extreme hot during summer coupled with cruelty on elephants creates stress among tuskers which make them amok and result in Human Elephant conflict.
Recent findings revealed that due to Human-elephant conflict 302 human lives are lost during the last three decades in Kerala. Of which more than 95 Percent victims are mahouts. It is clear that mahouts who are closely associated with elephants create ill treatment to elephants, which makes them amok. Thus human elephant conflicts among captive Asian elephant elephants are an unsolved issue in the state. The increasing incidence of Human elephant conflict affects the socio, cultural, environmental and economic situation of the state.

Tuberculosis and Herpes- an emerging threat to Elephant population

2008-01-19T03:58:00.000-08:00

Tuberculosis and Herpes- an emerging threat to Elephant population

T.P.Sethumadhavan
Introduction
Elephant population in the world is facing serious threats. These include habitat loss, human elephant conflict and the emerging diseases. Two emerging diseases, Tuberculosis and Endotheliotropic herpes viral infection are causing heavy mortality among elephants. This paper explains the need for developing better epidemiological, immunological and diagnostic methods, which will hasten the disease control measures in a sustainable manner.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis has recently become a significant health problem for captive Asian elephants. Elephant care international estimates that 12 percent elephants are infected. Over the years as habitat diminishes and interaction with human increases Asian Elephant population has decreased dramatically. Although TB prevalence levels among elephants are not exceptionally high at the present time, animals are experiencing increased contacts with humans and cattle, natural reservoirs from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M.bovis respectively. Thus the possibility of an epidemic exists and reciprocal transmission between humans and elephants could have devastating consequences.
A comprehensive epidemiological assessment of TB among captive Asian elephants is needed. It should expand in three complementary areas like immunological tests on individual animals to document infection status, seroprevalence studies, behavioral studies to infer exposure history and molecular analysis of bacterial DNA from trunk washes for species and strain identification.
The host immune response plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of infectious disease. An appropriate immune response results in clearance of offending pathogens, whereas an inappropriate response can facilitate disease. Tuberculosis is an example of a disease associated with an aberrant or inadequate immune response. Because information on elephant immune function is lacking, development of new tools that can facilitate assessment of immune response in elephants is the first step towards understanding tuberculosis pathogenesis in elephants. This tool will be vital towards gaining a general understanding of elephant immune responses to infectious disease. Information regarding pathogenesis, quantification of cytokine/ inflammatory mediator gene expression in peripheral blood samples can offer new diagnostic and treatment monitoring opportunities which may ultimately impact optimal management of tuberculosis in elephants. Recent findings revealed that a variety of side effects occur in elephants, which are being treated with anti tuberculosis drugs.

Elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus-

Elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus (EEHC, genus-Probosci virus) is a serious threat to all populations of Asian elephants and the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of EEHV is a high priority for the international elephant community. EEHV infects the micro vascular endothelial cells of the heart, liver and tongue. Viral induced endothelial injury leads to multiple areas of hemorrhage with death attributed to cardiac or multi organ failure. A substantial proportion of reproductive failures and young elephant deaths have been attributed to EEHV, continually impeding efforts to maintain a self-sustaining captive Asian elephant population. Multiple elephant mortalities attributed to EEHV have been reported in Asia since 1995. Recent findings revealed that approximately 10 percent of the North American Asian elephant population has been found to be seropositive for EEHV. Information regarding pathogenesis, epidemiology, seroprevalence and treatment will make significant impact on elephant welfare in the country.

Book on Elephants-Anaye ariyan

2008-01-19T03:51:00.000-08:00

‘Friends of Elephant’ concept can reduce cruelty on Elephants

Creating awareness among younger generation will try to solve many of the cruelty and conservation issues on Elephants; says Dr. T.P.Sethumadhavan in his Book on Elephants. Recently Human-elephant conflict is acquiring momentum in the country. Increasing rate of Human population adversely affects the Elephant habitat in the country. Globally Human elephant conflict is concerned with wild elephants and human habitat. But as far as Kerala is concerned the situation is slightly different. Kerala, which occupies 1.13percent geographic area of the country, has more than 700 captive elephants, where tuskers are widely used for festivals and processions. Human- captive elephant conflict is an important issue in the state. Recent findings revealed that during the last three decades Kerala has lost more than 301 human lives due to Human- Captive elephant conflict alone! Of which 90percent are mahouts who are the persons closely associating with the elephants! It may be due to the fact that ill treatment, poor feeding and management, over work and improper musth management create stress, which leads to human elephant conflicts. Elephant the largest living terrestrial mammal often faces series of cruelties, which includes over work, improper feeding and management.
In this context the book ‘Anaye ariyan-2nd Edition’ written by Dr. T.P.Sethumadhavan acquires more significance. This book explains different aspects of elephant ranging from origin to conservation issues. Dr.Sethumadhavan who is the Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry Department and Visiting Fellow of University of Reading, UK and Smithsonian institution, Washington DC, USA analyses the situation in a Global outlook.

Sri Lanka excels from other countries having unique Pinnawala elephant orphanage and Millennium foundation. Millennium foundation is involved in converting Elephant dung in to Value added paper that fetches very good price in the international market. Mahout village of Thailand is attracting tourists through their participatory approach. Elephant is the main attraction in the tourist map of Thailand and Sri Lanka. It generates more revenue and employment. Research works on Elephant breeding especially artificial insemination and hormonal monitoring at Smithsonian national zoological park of USA is also explained in the book. The book highlights the measures to reduce human elephant conflict, Good musth management and mahout management practices. Mere laws and regulations cannot control the cruelty on elephants. Extension programmes on Elephant welfare should be given more emphasis. This should be strategically planned and need based in nature. Different awareness programmes catering different sections of the society like Children, Public, Mahouts, Elephant owners, Tourists, Veterinarians, Non governmental organizations, etc can be planned. It should take in to consideration all the stakeholders involved in elephant welfare. School curriculum must include awareness programme on elephants. Need of the hour is to convert all those interested in elephants as ‘Friends of elephants’. Friends of elephant concept will reduce the cruelty on elephants and try to make elephant welfare more sustainable and meaningful. This book is published by Current books, DC books,Kottayam.,Kerala state, India
T.P Sethumadhavan