Wildlife Conservation

Working with elephants in conservation

GVI

Posted: December 16, 2022

As the sun rises over the lush green forests of Chiang Mai, Thailand, a person stands quietly, watching a wild elephant. The massive animal is moving gracefully through the underbrush, its trunk reaching out to pluck leaves and fruit from the trees. The person is mesmerised by the sight, feeling a sense of awe and reverence for this magnificent creature.

The elephant seems completely at home in the forest, moving with confidence and ease. It is a reminder of the incredible beauty and diversity of life on our planet, and of the importance of conservation. The person feels grateful to be able to witness this moment, and vows to do everything they can to protect these incredible animals and the forests they call home.

And now it is time to act.

Working with elephants in conservation

Elephants are some of the most majestic and intelligent animals on the planet. They are also highly endangered, with their populations declining rapidly due to habitat loss and poaching. As a result, working with elephants in conservation is more important than ever.

Why working with elephants matters now

Elephant conservation is important for a number of reasons. Elephants are a keystone species, meaning that they play a critical role in the ecosystem. They help to disperse seeds and maintain the health of the forest by trampling underbrush and creating clearings for new growth.

In addition, elephants are highly intelligent and social animals. They form strong bonds with other elephants and have been known to grieve for their deceased loved ones.

Unfortunately, elephant populations are declining rapidly due to habitat loss and poaching. If we do not take action to protect these incredible animals, they may disappear from the wild altogether. Elephant conservation is therefore crucial to ensure the long-term survival of these amazing creatures.

Working with elephants to tackle habitat loss and poaching

Habitat loss and poaching are two of the biggest threats to elephant populations. As human populations grow and development expands, elephants are losing the habitats they need to survive. This includes forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which are being destroyed to make way for farms, roads and cities.

Poaching is also a major problem for elephants. Despite international bans on the trade of ivory, poachers continue to kill elephants for their tusks, which are highly prized for use in jewellery and other products. This illegal trade is decimating elephant populations, particularly in Africa.

Habitat loss and poaching are serious threats to elephant populations, and if not addressed, they could lead to the extinction of these incredible animals.

Conservation organisations working with elephants

Working with elephants in Thailand

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure while playing a part in the future of our natural world and wildlife, consider joining a conservation team working with elephants.

GVI partners with the Huay Pakoot Elephant Foundation in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Here, working with elephants means joining a volunteer, internship, research fellowship, or professional apprenticeship program to support the conservation of elephants and their habitats. This includes assisting with research, habitat restoration and community outreach efforts.

Elephant conservation in Chiang Mai

The forests of Chiang Mai are home to wild elephants, which play a vital role in the ecosystem. These elephants help to disperse seeds and maintain the health of the forest by trampling underbrush and creating clearings for new growth.

However, the population of wild elephants in Chiang Mai is declining due to habitat loss and conflicts with humans. Along with our partner, GVI participants work to protect the remaining wild elephant populations and ensure their long-term survival.

Visitors to the forests of Chiang Mai may be able to spot wild elephants, but it is important to remember that these are wild animals and should be respected as such. Visitors should always keep a safe distance and not disturb the elephants, to ensure the safety of both the animals and themselves.

No matter what form it takes, conservation work with elephants is vital to ensuring the long-term survival of these amazing creatures. By taking action and supporting organisations that are working to protect elephants, we can all play a role in ensuring that these incredible animals are around for generations to come.