A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE THAI ELEPHANT AND ITS MAHOUT:
THE SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS
The Thai elephant belongs to the mainland subspecies of the Asian elephant, Elephas maximus. From the beginning of Thai history, elephants have nobly and faithfully served both kings and commoners in war and in commerce. Yet from an estimated 100,000 elephants in Siam at the beginning of the 20th century, according to current estimates, the elephant population in Thailand has dwindled to just over 4,000 elephants. Of these, approximately 1,500 are elephants in the wild and the remaining 2,300+ are domesticated elephants. Overall numbers are believed to be decreasing at a rate of 5 - 10% per year. Of those that have survived, many are in severe distress, suffering from overwork, illness or abuse.
Is the situation with regard to Thai elephants more critical today than it was a decade ago? Ms Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, President of Treasure Our Elephants Fund - Foundation for the Conservation of Northern Elephants believes that what has changed is that there is far greater awareness of the problems.
"The situation may not be any worse than it was before but now that we know more and have a better understanding of the situation, we perceive that the situation has become critical because the issues have been brought out into the open. This is a positive development because now that real issues have finally been brought to light, they can be properly addressed and resolved."
In the search for solutions, experts with a true understanding of the Thai social and cultural landscape are quick to point out that the conservation effort in this case involves two different populations, each with its own set of unique circumstances namely - elephants in the wild and domesticated elephants.
Given a sizeable population of domesticated elephants, saving these 2,000+ Chang Ngan (working elephants in Thai), calls for a radically different conservation approach from that of the wild elephant population. The domestication of several generations of elephants has resulted in the working elephant being totally dependent on its mahout for its survival. Given the unique role that domesticated elephants have played in Thai history, their prominent role within traditional communities, the bond and working relationship that has evolved between the elephants and the traditional mahouts and the resulting high dependency of the domesticated elephant population on mankind, coupled with the legislative framework, all of these factors have to be taken into account. Solutions and experiences from other parts of the world are not necessarily the obvious answers for Thailand.
ELEPHANTS IN THE WILD
Estimates place the number of remaining wild elephants at between 1,000 to 1,500, with the largest numbers residing in two main habitats - the Khao Yao National Park and the Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, designated a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
For the wild elephant population, the immediate threat is dwindling numbers as a result of habitat destruction and the loss of habitat as a result of deforestation. At the turn of the century, 90% of the country was covered with natural forests. 50 years later, over 60% of the country remained forested. Today, less than 15% of this forest cover remains.
With the natural habitat of the Thai elephant fast disappearing, a diminishing natural food supply exacerbates the conflict between man and elephants in the wild. With the forest no longer able to sustain wild elephant populations, elephants are forced to forage for food beyond the forest area. Guided by instinct and pangs of hunger, elephants end up in the midst of plantations, orchards and farms on the edge of the forest where there is an abundant supply of their favourite foods - fresh fruits and other crops. The raids sometimes result in them being shot or poisoned. The immediate solution is to introduce measures to enable man and wild elephant populations to co-exist peacefully and maintain the state of equilibrium and respect between humans and wildlife.
DOMESTICATED ELEPHANTS
Domesticated elephants that have lived in close quarters with man, pose a different kind of problem, in some ways, more complex.
According to the National Elephant Institute (NEI), in 1992, there were approximately 3,500 domestic elephants, including 990 serving in the tourism industry. However, this number has declined by 30% in less than 10 years, to approximately 2,250 in 2000. According to a recent survey conducted by the Livestock Development Department, there are a total of 2,343 domesticated elephants residing at 73 elephant camps and villages nationwide.
There has been a long history of the domestication of elephants and through the centuries, these graceful creatures have been an integral part of the Thai way of life. Considered to be an auspicious creature, the elephant's association with the three key institutions of the country - nation, religion and king, through the centuries, led to its elevation to the status of national symbol.
Regarded as the symbol of prosperity and power, and grace, befitting that of a monarch, in ancient times, elephants were used as mounts in times of war. The more elephants a king possessed, the more powerful he was perceived to be. Additionally, the Thai kings of the Central Plains had embraced the concept of "Divine Kingship" to strengthen their rule by divine association and had adopted rituals and practices of Brahmin and Hindu origin. The use of elephants in royal ceremonies and rituals still prevails today. White elephants or Chang Samkhan, symbolic of the king, are still considered to be auspicious animals and are especially prized.
Historically, elephants were principally involved in the transportation of people and goods. While there are endless accounts of legendary "war elephants" at the service of the kings of Siam, only a few of the finest elephants were trained for combat and served in the first line of attack. Most were used solely for transport.
Elephants are also prominently featured in Buddhist art, architecture and sculpture. The concept of reincarnation is a central to Buddhism. When one life ends, the soul enters another body to be born again. Prior to his life as Buddha, in one of his past lives, the Buddha-to-be (Bodhisattva) was re-born as a Noble Elephant. The mention of elephants appear in several accounts of the life of the historical Buddha as well as in the collection of "Jataka" tales recounting stories of his previous lives. Such beliefs are the origins of the Thai tradition of showing kindness and compassion to large animals (sat yai) such as elephants by making merit and performing charitable acts such as offering donations and food. It is believed that one earns much merit from such acts of kindness. These deep-rooted beliefs have in some ways contributed to its survival to the present day.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We take this opportunity to sincerely thank Ms Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, President of Treasure Our Elephants Fund - Foundation for the Conservation of Northern Elephants, Mr Chanatt Lauhawatana, Managing Director of the Forest Industry Organization, the parent organization of the National Elephant Institute of Thailand, and Mr Richard Lair, a leading authority on the Asian elephant who has devoted over twenty years working with the animals and studying conservation problems across Asia, author of "Gone Astray: The Care and Management of the Asian Elephant in Domesticity" and currently advisor to the National Elephant Institute (NEI) in Lampang, Thailand, for the kind advice and guidance, tremendous insight and enthusiastic support extended to News Room on this special feature. All images © National Elephant Institute.
Sources of Reference
- The National Elephant Institute
Forest Industry Organization
A New Hope for Elephant Conservation
www.thailandelephant.org
- Treasure Our Elephants-
Foundation for the Conservation of Northern Elephants
www.treasurethaielephants.org
- The Elephant in Thai Life and Legend
Published by Monsoon Editions Ltd. Partnership
ISBN 974-86302-9-3
- "Important Elephants of the Nation"
from the chapter on elephants by Saimai Jobkolsuk
in "Suriyothai" produced by Khunying Busaya Snidvongs na Ayudhya
ISBN 974-272-379-6
- "Running out of elephants" and "Concern for national animal"
by Supradit Kanwanich, Bangkok Post/Perspective - Sunday, January 12, 2003
- Elephant Help Project
http://www.elephanthelp.org/
- http://www.welcome-to.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/elep-nationalday.htm
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