Elephants

There are three species of elephants; all are classified as endangered and critically endangered.

• African savannah elephants - endangered
• African forest elephants - critically endangered
• Asian elephants - endangered

The WWF reports there are only 415,000 African elephants remaining in the wild and approximately 40,000-50,000 Asian elephants. The African savannah elephant has been classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List, with over 50% of the population lost in the last 75 years (or three generations). The elephant population is still declining, and the previous loss is likely irreversible. The assessment of African forest elephants shows an over 80% reduction in the population in the past 93 years. This, combined with ongoing habitat loss (unlikely to be reversible), is the reason for their critically endangered status.

The Asian elephant, listed as endangered, has also suffered a 50% decline in population over the past 75 years, with habitat loss/degradation and poaching mentioned as root causes. The Sumatran subspecies has suffered immensely and is currently listed as critically endangered.

Elephants face a range of threats that endanger their survival in the wild. These threats include:

• Poaching: Despite international bans on the ivory trade, poaching remains a significant problem, and ivory is valued highly on the black market. Apart from ivory, elephants are also targeted for their skin, used in traditional medicines and jewellery. Other body parts appear on the market as decorative items.
• Habitat Loss: Rapid deforestation, human settlements and agricultural expansion have led to substantial losses of natural habitats for elephants. Humans have significantly reduced their living space, and the fragmentation makes it harder for them to find mates and maintain genetic diversity.
• Human-Elephant Conflict: As human populations expand into elephant territories, conflicts arise. Elephants may raid crops and damage property, leading to retaliation by farmers and villagers. These conflicts can result in injuries or deaths for both humans and elephants.
• Climate Change: Changing weather patterns affect the availability of water and food resources for elephants. Droughts can lead to water shortages and limited food supply, and altered ecosystems can impact the vegetation forest elephants depend on.
• Captivity and Exploitation: Elephants were often captured and used for entertainment, tourism, and labour. These practices reduced wild populations and have led to physical and psychological harm (some of which continue to this day).
• Disease: Elephants are susceptible to some diseases transmitted from domestic animals and humans. Diseases like tuberculosis can spread rapidly among elephant populations, especially in areas where they come into contact with livestock.

You can volunteer with elephants in Africa and Asia.

The Great Projects offer a variety of elephant volunteer projects, some of which are focused entirely on the conservation of elephants, such as in Namibia and Sri Lanka, and others where you are likely to encounter them as part of your daily activities.

You can aid African elephant conservation with us in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia or help conserve Asian elephant populations in Sri Lanka and Borneo.

It is notoriously difficult to tell how ethical elephant sanctuaries are, which is why The Great Projects works entirely with elephant conservation projects in wildlife reserves and national parks where elephants roam freely.

If you're interested in volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand or similar destinations for elephant volunteering, it's important to avoid sanctuaries that allow elephant riding, bathing, and performances. Ethical elephant sanctuaries prioritise observation and limit interactions. They will not use bull hooks or chains to control and contain the elephants.