New Delhi: Elephants, the majestic creatures that have captivated people’s hearts worldwide, are facing a crisis. Their imposing presence and gentle nature make them a sight to behold, whether in the confines of a zoo or their natural habitat. However, the awe-inspiring beauty of these creatures is overshadowed by the ever-present threat of poaching. Africa, home to most of the world’s elephant population, remains a battleground for conserving these magnificent animals.
Weighing up to a whopping 7.5 tonnes, elephants are the largest terrestrial animals, making them prime targets for poachers seeking to exploit their tusks for the lucrative ivory trade. As history has taught us, the largest mammals are often the most vulnerable to human exploitation, and elephants are no exception. Their meat, trunks, and, most tragically, their tusks have made them the victims of relentless hunting.
According to the World Population Review, elephants today number a mere 4,40,000, starkly contrasting their historical numbers. In this article, we will examine the current state of elephant populations.
List of Country-wise Elephant population
Country
Population
Year
Note
Botswana
1,30,000
2021
Zimbabwe
1,00,000
2021
Tanzania
60,000
2021
Kenya
35,500
2022
South Africa
24,000
2020
Zambia
22,000
2016
India
17,000-26,000
2021
Population estimated to range from 17,000 to 26,000
Mozambique
10,800
2022
Gabon
10,000
2020
Population estimated to range from 10,000 to 15,000
DR Congo
7,000
2021
Cameroon
6,500
2021
Uganda
4,864
2016
Thailand
3,800
Unrecorded
Angola
3,395
Unrecorded
Myanmar
2,000
Unrecorded
Malaysia
1,220
2022
Population estimated to range from 1,220 to 1,700
Indonesia
1,200
2022
Population estimated to range from 1,200 to 2,400
Ethiopia
800
2016
Malawi
800
2016
Laos
800
2022
Chad
750
2016
Nigeria
400
Unrecorded
Mali
250
2016
China
200
Unrecorded
Population estimated to range from 200 to 250
Vietnam
100
2021
Total
4,43,379
List of Species-wise Elephant population
Name
Population
Status
African Bush Elephant
3,52,000
Endangered
African Forest Elephant
1,40,000
Critical
Asian Elephant
50,000
Endangered
Indian Elephant
27,312
Endangered
Sri Lankan Elephant
7,000
Endangered
Sumatran Elephant
2,400–2,800
Critical
Borneo Elephant
1,000–1,600
Endangered
When is World Elephant Day commemorated?
On August 12, the world marks World Elephant Day, recognising the importance of these magnificent creatures of the planet. Unfortunately, the number of elephants has dropped by 62 per cent in the last decade, and they could be extinct within the next decade if nothing changes.
Every day, about 100 African elephants are killed by poachers due to the demand for ivory in Asian markets. This led to the slaughter of thousands of elephants. World Elephant Day aims to raise awareness and bring about change to protect these majestic creatures.
Since its establishment in 2012 by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand, along with over 100 elephant conservation organisations worldwide, World Elephant Day has reached millions of people who care about elephants and want to help.
This day serves as an opportunity for organisations and individuals to unite and address the threats facing elephants. By coming together, we can support conservation efforts to make the world safer for elephants and their habitats, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate them.
Elephants are a crucial species. They shape and maintain their environments, allowing many plant and animal species to thrive in those habitats. The disappearance of elephants significantly impacts the species that rely on the ecosystems maintained by elephants, leading to habitat disorder and a decrease in nature’s structure and diversity. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge