According to the world’s most senior conservation body the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the elephant is facing a very real threat of extinction.
The African elephant is listed on the IUCN’s Red List of endangered species as Vulnerable to Extinction having an observed population loss of over 30% within the last 3 elephant generations. The IUCN’s African elephant Specialist Group estimates the number of elephants in Africa at between 400,000 to 650,000 elephants.
Endangered Asian Elephants
The elephant is one of the most remarkable and best loved animals in the world. It has always held the respect and affection of man to the point that in many parts of Asia and beyond the elephant has a symbolic and even religious significance.
Elephants are widely recognised as extraordinary sensate beings with a highly developed consciousness. For thousand of years elephants have worked alongside man in Asia, and close bonds have been formed.
Yet despite these close human ties the fact is that the number of elephants in Asia has been falling for hundreds years. The situation is becoming increasingly critical and unless something is done it will soon reach the point of no return and elephants will disappear forever.
Where can you find Asian elephants and how many remain? - The Status and Geographical Distribution of Asian Elephants
The following pages give more details of the issues affecting elephants, both wild and domesticated in each of the range states.
Elephants in Bangladesh
Elephants in Bhutan
Elephants in Burma/Myanmar
Elephants in Cambodia
Elephants in China
Elephants in India
Elephants in Indonesia
Elephants in Laos
Elephants in Malaysia
Elephants in Nepal
Elephants in Sri Lanka
Elephants in Thailand
Elephants in Vietnam
Conservation Issues
Why are Asian elephants endangered? What are the threats to the Asian elephant? These pages look at the reasons why the elephant is being pushed to the edge of extinction.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Human Elephant Conflict
Elephant Poaching
