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Scientific Name: Elephas maximus |
Why do Asian elephants need conserving?
The Asian elephant historically ranged across the Asian continent from Iran to Indonesia over an area of 9 million square kilometres. The population has declined steeply over the last century and is now approximately 35,000 scattered across 13 states. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because of habitat loss, hunting and as retribution after conflict with human populations.
What is the difference between Asian and African elephants?
The easiest way to distinguish between them is that the Asian elephant is smaller and has smaller ears. There are plenty of other subtle differences such as a more arched back in the Asian elephant as well as very thin eyes and a yellow hide in the summer. An interesting fact is that most female Asian elephants lack tusks, unlike those in Africa; if female Asian elephants do possess tusks, they are termed tushes and can only be seen when the female opens her mouth.
How do elephants behave?
Asian elephants live in matriarchal societies, whereby herds consisting of related females and the immature are led by the oldest female. When calves are born, they weigh around 100kg and remain with their mothers for many years. After maturing, female calves stay with the herd while males are chased away. Mature bull elephants older than 15 years are usually solitary but fight over females during the breeding season. They enter ‘musth’ annually once mature; a period of extreme aggression when their testosterone level is up to 60 times greater than normal.
What are FFI’s Asian elephant projects?
FFI was invited to work in Cambodia in 1996 by the Royal Government. Since then, FFI has contributed to the conservation and protection of the Asian elephant, achieving positive results from maintaining habitat, improving livelihoods, conducting elephant research and working with both senior figures and rural settlers with regard to the needs of elephants.
What impact have FFI projects had so far on elephants in Cambodia?
Over the past decade we have been researching elephant distribution and population status, and have successfully mitigated human-wildlife conflict so that elephant killings in retribution for crop damage are now a thing of the past.
Are there any wider benefits beyond saving elephants?
Using the Asian elephant as a flagship species, we understand that protecting their habitat can also save a range of other species. Through our elephant work, we are also proactive in engaging on issues such as hydropower development and associated logging as well as informing national forest policy to ensure the maintenance of elephant corridors.
Please consider a gift today so we can continue our crucial work to save threatened wildlife around the world.
Thank you.
For further information please contact Rob Harris at
rob.harris@fauna-flora.org or call +44 (0)1223 431953
Support our Asian elephant appeal
FFI's 'Uncle Elephant' meets President Obama
11/05/2010
FFI’s Tuy Sereivathana has become one of the first Cambodians to meet President Obama
Fauna & Flora International 's ‘Uncle Elephant’ wins prestigious award
19/04/2010
FFI’s Tuy Sereivathana awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for 2010.
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