About the Elephants

The Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is one of the most majestic yet critically endangered species on our planet. Found exclusively on the island of Sumatra, this species represents a significant part of our world's natural heritage.

The Sumatran elephant is the largest mammal in Indonesia, weighing up to 6 tons and growing up to 3.5 meters high at the shoulder. The gestation period for baby Sumatran elephants is 22 months with an average age of up to 70 years. These giant herbivores are very intelligent and have larger brains than other land mammals. Large enough ears help elephants hear well and help reduce body heat.

The trunk is used to obtain food and water by holding or grasping the tip which is used like a finger to scoop. The Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is an animal that requires a large roaming area, this is because elephants need to feel safe and comfortable, so that their daily activities are not disturbed. An elephant requires a roaming area of ​​680 ha.

The Sumatran elephants are not only vital for maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats, but they also play a crucial role in the rich biodiversity of the region. Protecting these elephants is imperative, not just for their survival but for the health and stability of the ecosystems they support.

The importance of conserving Sumatran elephants extends beyond their intrinsic value. As a keystone species, they help to shape their environment in ways that benefit countless other species. By spreading seeds through their dung and creating clearings in dense forests, they promote plant diversity and growth, which in turn supports a variety of wildlife. The loss of Sumatran elephants would have a profound ripple effect, leading to the degradation of the ecosystems they inhabit.

In addition to their ecological significance, Sumatran elephants hold cultural and economic value for local communities. Ecotourism cantered around these magnificent animals can provide sustainable livelihoods and foster a deeper connection to conservation efforts. By protecting Sumatran elephants, we are also preserving the natural beauty and biological diversity that future generations should have the opportunity to experience.

Conflict with Human

The underlying cause of conflict between wild animals and humans is direct human behavior, namely destroying and polluting natural resources, changing wild animal habitats into agricultural land, and injuring or killing wild animals. Changing habitats result in wild animals having to use the same areas and resources as humans, this creates conflict between wild animals and humans due to competition for resources which results in the killing of wild animals. The rapid decline in the population of Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus) over the last 50 years has been caused by reduced habitat, ivory theft and illegal killing caused by conflict between elephants and humans.

Conflict between elephants and humans is also caused by the following things, namely fragmentation of forest areas, unclear land status in buffer areas, population growth and an increase in immigrants, forest encroachment and illegal logging, lack of public awareness, and lack of role of supporting institutions. elephant conservation in the area. Habitat fragmentation caused by increasing human population, settlements and agriculture causes the loss of links from wildlife routes which can be a serious threat to wildlife conservation. Elephants who lose routes connecting their territory will cross oil palm plantations which can increase conflict between elephants and humans.

The Sumatran elephant has received the status of endangered since 2002. At that time, illegal logging and forest clearing occurred in the Sumatra region. This incident is supported by data collected that environmental issues affect the natural habitat of natural life. This correlates with the decline in interest in investment if animals, including Sumatran elephants, are considered pests of investment crops such as oil palm. The needs of the palm oil industry have led to the logging of Sumatran elephants which has pushed the population of this large mammal to an emergency status.

Poaching of Sumatran elephants, which hunters consider to have high economic value for their tusks and heads, is also a driving force behind the decline in the animal's population. It is believed that collectors' ivory from Sumatran elephants has a high selling value. So that poaching occurs which ignores the survival of these elephants.