Review: Status of wild elephant, conflict and conservation actions in Thailand
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
1412033X
eISSN
20854722
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85192507439
Journal Title
Biodiversitas
Volume
25
Issue
4
Start Page
1479
End Page
1498
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Biodiversitas Vol.25 No.4 (2024) , 1479-1498
Suggested Citation
Sukmasuang R., Phumpakphan N., Deungkae P., Chaiyarat R., Pla-Ard M., Khiowsree N., Charaspet K., Paansri P., Noowong J. Review: Status of wild elephant, conflict and conservation actions in Thailand. Biodiversitas Vol.25 No.4 (2024) , 1479-1498. 1498. doi:10.13057/biodiv/d250416 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/98358
Title
Review: Status of wild elephant, conflict and conservation actions in Thailand
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Sukmasuang R, Phumpakphan N, Deungkae P, Chaiyarat R, Pla-Ard M, Khiowsree N, Charaspet K, Paansri P, Noowong J. 2024. Review: Status of wild elephant, conflict and conservation actions in Thailand. Biodiversitas 25: 1479-1498. This study comprehensively reviewed various aspects of population status, distribution, conflict situations, and conservation strategies for managing human-elephant conflicts (HECs). The primary goal is to foster a clear understanding of the current status, issues, and problem-solving approaches to benefit elephant conservation and management. The key element in elephant conservation is the acceptance of the coexistence between humans and elephants in their respective areas. Managing overlapping areas between humans and elephants is crucial for conservation efforts. A major concern is that elephants venture outside protected areas, increasing risk to both human and elephant populations. Therefore, enhancing the efficiency of conflict management is of the utmost importance to the long-term survival of elephants. This study revealed that vital approaches for managing elephant populations in Thailand include designating conservation areas as the foundation for long-term elephant conservation. In addition, habitat management at the population level, implementing compensation schemes, establishing community-based monitoring groups in conflict areas, improving conflict management practices, and decentralizing decision-making processes in conservation efforts are critical. Other essential elements of successful conservation and management in Thailand include setting population targets for elephants in each conservation area, with the goal of effective management. This was supported by research, community collaboration, decentralization, and performance evaluation to gauge the success of implemented measures in reducing HECs by assessing the number of conflict incidents and fatalities for both humans and elephants. This suggests the need for a fundamental reform of the elephant conservation policy.