Don't let the sun set on the Asian elephant

Elephants in Laos

Elephant conservation in Laos is hampered by the lack of economic development. It used to be known as the Land of a Million Elephants. Sadly however, this is not the case today; although the country does retain a significant amount of forest cover, which could provide the basis for a progressive policy of elephant conservation.

Laos Elephant Population Figures

Elephant Range: 20,000 km² approx
Country Ranking: 6th of 13
Total Wild Elephants: 781 - 1,202
Country Ranking: 6th or 7th of 13
Total Captive Population: 1,100 - 1,350
Country Ranking: 4th of 13

Source: R Sukumar - A Brief Review of the Status, Distribution and Biology of Wild Asian Elephants Elephas maximus- International Zoo Yearbook 2006

While this information source is considered the very best available, accurate data on wild elephant populations is difficult to obtain and scientifically verify.

Laos used to be known as the Land of a Million Elephants

Wild Elephants in Laos

Forest covers up to 47% of the total land area of Laos, a statistic that should give hope of the country harbouring a long term viable elephant population. However until recently, insufficient national funds, a lack of technical experts and the absence of the involvement of international NGO’s meant that any sort of environmental policy was a pipedream. The Laos government is committed to the principles of elephant conservation and recently, a number of international groups have started getting involved so things should start to improve - but there is a lot of ground to make up.

The main threat to Laos’ elephants is from hunting and the ever present problems of habitat loss. Hunting is particularly a problem in areas bordering with Thailand and Vietnam; perhaps because the culprits commit offences in Laos before disappearing over the border. Significant funds for rangers to protect wildlife are simply not available domestically.

Habitat loss is becoming a major problem as land is cleared for logging, agriculture, hydroelectric power projects and other infrastructure developments. There have been increasing reports of human deaths, probably mirrored by elephant losses.

The Elephant Observation Tower in the village of Ban Na is at the centre of a community based conservation project. The tower allows visitors to observe the activities of a 30 strong herd of wild elephants. Find out more details here

Laos has large areas of elephant habitat but it is fast being lost to human encroachment

Poaching is a major threat to Laos' wild elephants

Domesticated Elephants in Laos

Captive elephants have been part of life in Laos for many centuries. The country still has a predominantly rural population that uses elephants for a variety of purposes including logging, land clearance and agricultural use and transportation. Trained elephants are also increasingly being used in the tourist industry.

There are reports that domesticated elephants in Laos are suffering from overwork and a lack of awareness of health issues by their owners.

Many domesticated elephants in Laos suffer from lack of knowledge and overwork

Laos has a long tradition of domesticating elephants

Summary

The raw material for a constructive elephant conservation policy, abundant habitat and a viable local elephant population are available in Laos; but without a significant injection of funds and expertise from the international community, a policy would be almost impossible to get off the ground.

International Assistance is vital to allow Laos to protect its elephant population

Laos' elephant conservation efforts are hampered by a lack of finance and infrasrtucture