Elephants face rising threats from climate change and human conflict

Elephants are facing increasing threats from a combination of climate change, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. The WWF has warned that drought, extreme heat, and irregular precipitation are drastically altering habitats in Africa and Asia, making it harder for these animals to find food and water.

To mitigate these risks, conservationists are calling for stronger protections, including intensified efforts against poaching and illegal ivory trade, as well as the creation of “green corridors” to connect protected areas and allow for safe migration.

In Thailand, the situation is manifesting through direct conflict in the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. Approximately 91 wild elephants have been moving from the forest into inhabited areas, bypassing trenches and rope fences to forage. This movement has led to fatalities, including three elephants killed by illegal 220-volt power lines set up by residents to deter the animals. Local officials report that forestry teams are understaffed and lack necessary equipment, such as drones, to manage the nightly encounters between elephant herds and local communities.