Elephants are considered to be the largest land mammals in the world. They are unique with their long trunks, ivory tusks, massive ears, and wrinkled grey skin. Elephants add a certain allure and magnificence to the wild, they are revered in many cultures as a symbol of strength, power, wisdom, kindness and longevity. However, elephants are also at great risk of extinction, and they deserve more protection. Here are some reasons why:
1. Poaching for Ivory: Elephants are still heavily hunted for their ivory tusks, it is estimated that over 30,000 elephants are killed each year for their tusks. The high demand for ivory in Asian countries such as China and Vietnam drives poachers to kill these magnificent creatures. Elephants are smart social creatures who live in tight family groups, killing one elephant often results in the destabilization and destruction of the whole group, leaving behind orphaned calves with no means of survival. Elephants need more protection from poaching if we are to secure their future.
2. Habitat loss: Elephants are migratory animals who are constantly on the move, they need large areas of land to roam freely and find food and water. But with the increase in human population, land is being cleared for agriculture or infrastructure development resulting in habitat loss for elephants. This loss of land fragments elephant populations, making it harder for them to find food and water and to form family groups. It also increases human-elephant interactions, leading to conflict such as crop raiding and human deaths. Elephants require more protection of their habitats to keep them safe from habitat destruction and fragmentation.
3. Tourism: Elephants are a significant contributor to the tourism industry in many countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. However, elephants used in tourism often undergo intense physical and psychological abuse, including being chained, tortured, and forced to carry tourists or perform tricks. Some tourist locations also offer elephant rides, which can cause severe damage to the elephant’s spine and feet. Elephants deserve more protection from such cruel treatment, and tourists need to be educated on the effects of their actions.
4. Climate Change: Like all living creatures, elephants are greatly affected by climate change. Elephants live in hot and dry environments, and as temperatures rise, their access to water and food decreases, causing dehydration and malnourishment. In addition, climate change also affects the vegetation that elephants depend on as more frequent droughts result in the loss of vegetation cover, resulting in less food for elephants. Climate change is not something elephants can control, so they require more protection from its effects.
In conclusion, elephants are majestic creatures that deserve more protection from human actions, including poaching, habitat loss, tourism abuse, and climate change. We have to safeguard these animals that are essential not only to the ecosystem but also to cultural and spiritual beliefs worldwide. It is crucial that we take strong steps toward elephant conservation, such as advocating for stricter legislation and enforcement of laws to curb poaching, working to preserve their natural habitats, promoting responsible tourism, and reducing carbon emissions to mitigate climate change. It is the responsibility of all individuals, communities and governments to ensure these intelligent and gentle giants persist.
