Our beautiful planet was once inhabited by many exotic creatures that are extinct thanks to the worldwide phenomenon of poaching growing at an alarming rate.
Are elephant’s among the endangered species?
Among the endangered species of the rhinos, the turtles, the grizzly bears, the crocodiles and one of the world’s unique frogs, elephants are also losing their habitats. Elephants are gigantic animals that need space. By space, I mean really large space; elephants require big savannahs and their diets are huge. They require profuse growth of trees, abundance flora and vegetation.
Population of African and Asian elephants is dwindling. Not long ago, there were more than 5 million wild elephants roaming in the heart of jungle freely. Surprisingly and sadly, very few of the forest reserves and elephants remain today. As a result of illegal ivory trade, only 500,000 Asiatic and African elephants exist. The reason is quite obvious - expanding human development and population is taking its toll on the green cover.
The first time I saw an elephant, it was in the circus, I was excited and loved these gigantic animals with tusks. I have also watched elephants in Indian religious festivals and have felt connected to them. Dashera and Diwali in Hyderabad do not happen without the procession of elephants. The elephants are dressed in colorful shawls and also accompany religious functions in temples. Asian elephants were important to ancient Asian culture for thousands of years – you will find that they are domesticated and used for religious functions, transportation and to move extremely heavy objects in villages and jungles of Asia.
Left to me, I would leave these magnificent creatures to the wilderness of jungles.
Image Credit Author Gorgo Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Are Elephants Endangered?
WriterArtist, Thank you for the photos, practicalities and products.
Did you read about elephants dying trying to save a baby elephant and one another at the Khao Yai National Park waterfall? They exhibited grief, as elephants always are known to do, and immense ingenuity and valor throughout this experience.
Me too, I love elephants, of whom one of my favorites is Ganesh!
I didn't know elephants were juveniles for so very long and that their mother cared for them all that time. how interesting! Sad that poachers want those tusks, I can certainly live very happily without anything made of ivory.
@Telesto - You really had a funny experience with the elephant. As much as I love animals, I am scared to go near them. I prefer them in their natural habitats and not as slaves of human beings. I have a special feeling for elephants and I don't feel good about animals kept in captivity. Coming back to elephants, they are intelligent and have a good memory. They will not forget an incidence or an event that easily. They are sharp and majestic at their size.
I really wish I'd found this page before, I love elephants and love this article. They are such tremendous creatures and have a great sense of humour. When I was in the North of India, a few years back, our driver stopped by the roadside to let me get out and take some photographs. A mahout was riding his elephant along the same side of the road, and they caught up with us as I was outside of the car. I started trying to take a photograph of the elephant, and she sucked up water from a nearby puddle and sprayed it all over me! Everyone in the car and the mahout all found it highly amusing too!
Hi Sandyspider and Katiem,
We really have to protect our wild life . Deforestation on massive scale leaves little for the creatures in jungle, their habitats thus diminishing they have less chances of survival.
We need to protect the elephant. They are magnificent animals.
I agree we should do everything we can to protect each and every Elephant, we can all do something regardless of how small or big.
Nickupton,
You have clearly pointed out one of the root causes that is endangering many species on the planet. I hope awareness among the people increases and the people who are responsible for their destruction put to task and punished.
Often it is said that poor people are the poachers of elephants. Here in Thailand elephant poaching is on the increase and those behind it are powerful politicians and the police. People who have spoken out against them find themselves intimidated and prosecuted for ridiculous things while the heads of the poaching rings go unpunished.
Non Governmental organisations battle against these problems but working with governments of such countries is a waste of time as it is these corrupt people who are the problem.
Katiem,
Thanks for the tweet. And yes, they are huge yet cute creatures. We ought to protect what is left of the planet's amazing flora and fauna.