Lao domestic elephants may disappear in 50 years
The continuing decline in the number of domesticated elephants means they are likely to disappear from Laos within 50 years, a report has concluded.
The study was made by ElefantAsia after only one birth in 2009 was recorded among domesticated elephants in Xayaboury province and 15 elephants died in the same period.
Head of Programmes at ElefantAsia, Mr Gilles Maurer, said the elephants died of natural causes – old age and disease.
“The trend is getting worse and worse because in 2008 there were two births, but last year only one. We almost didn’t have any births last year because the baby elephant only arrived in December.”
He emphasised that if this low birth rate continued for several more years, there would be no way to save the domestic elephant. The birth rate had to rise if elephants were to continue to be part of the culture and lifestyle of the Lao people.
There are currently around 500 domesticated elephants in Laos, and ElefantAsia expressed concern these animals were ageing.
Life expectancy for elephants is about 60 years, but most in Laos are aged about 35 years. The population is getting older and no young ones are coming through to replace them.
“Many of the animals are getting too old to breed and others of breeding age are working in the logging industry,” Mr Maurer said.
“There is no economic incentive for mahouts to breed their elephants because this means the animals can’t work for several years.”
The female cannot work for about six months before and after giving birth and cannot do logging for about another three years.
During the gestation period the elephant not only needs veterinary care, but the mahouts also have to work so they continue to have an income.
But Mr Maurer said elephants that are used for tourist activities can breed more regularly because pregnant elephants can still carry tourists. After giving birth they can also carry tourists with their baby walking alongside.
However, tour companies have to be responsible and ensure that mothers are allowed to be with their babies.
To increase numbers, ElefantAsia launched a programme in 2009 to help elephant owners breed their animals.
Now, eight elephants in Xayaboury province are thought to be pregnant, but it takes time to confirm their pregnancy.
ElefantAsia is continuing to work with elephant owners both in Laos and Thailand to encourage conservation of this iconic aspect of Asian culture.
Source: Vientiane Times
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
January 23, 2010
