The rampage Yunnan wild elephants trekked north for 500 kilometers and raised a huge debate on biodiversity and human-wildlife conflict. This has also caught the attention of animal protection experts around the world. CBCGDF has reached out and built connections with experts from China and abroad as well as multiple organizations on elephant protection. CBCGDF has set up a working group on this matter. 

The Beijing News has interviewed Zhou Jinfeng, the Secretary-General of CBCGDF, on his opinions about the unusual moves of the elephants. 

BJNEWS: Is there a seasonal pattern on elephants’ migration? There are many speculations on why the elephants left the habitat, what do you think?

Zhou: This cannot be seen as a typical migration, which sticks to a pattern in terms of the season, route, and timeline. This is very uncommon. I suspect that there are both internal and external factors for this. The external factor is habitat condition: not enough food or space, or environmental change caused by climate change. An internal factor may relate to the nature of the species. All creatures are ingrained with both “stable” and “unstable” aspects in the course of evolution. Being stable helps animals survive and adapt to the environment quicker. However, they can be unstable once the conditions of the habitat change. This also applies to plants. So why the elephants suddenly moved north? It may have something to do with their “unstable” part. 

BJNEWS: According to previous news, this group of elephants has caused severe damages along the way, but we still emphasize the importance of protecting them. Are elephants indispensable in the global ecosystem? What roles do Asian Elephants play in the rainforest ecosystem?

Zhou: Biodiversity is the foundation for the survival of humankind, but it is disappearing fast and causes the occurrence of the sixth mass extinction globally. Each species is not indispensable but its existence can help stop extinction from happening. Protecting elephants is protecting our homeland. 

BJNEWS: How do foreign experts from your working group think of how China deals with the elephants such as tracking, feeding, and evacuating the public in the nearby areas? 

Zhou:They speak highly of our approach. Asian Elephant is our national first-class protected animal and is endangered species in the world. Protecting the elephants is our core mission regarding biodiversity conservation. Even though they have caused chaos on the road, it’s correct to keep protecting them in the process. Compared to 

BJNEWS: We feed the elephants and let them eat crops in the fields. Will this aggravate the situation?

Zhou: Our adopted approach is correct but we can’t overdo it. Feeding them with a minimum amount is the universal knowledge among experts and this can prevent them from developing dependency, which leads to the change of eating habits. 

BJNEWS: Are there any obstacles in tracking the elephants?

Zhou: The current tracking method is reliable. No personnel is reported hurt yet and the financial loss is bearable as well. We have come to know that some foreign experts have rich experiences in anesthesia and elephant transportation. They can come to China if necessary or talk to us online to tackle this issue. CBCGDF is also communicating with local authorities and international experts.

BJNEWS: We noticed that the elephants stopped moving yesterday. Do you think they will return to their original habitat? Where is the best suitable place to live for them?

Zhou: I don’t think they will go back to the old place. The best outcome is to find a new habitat for them. At the same time, we should establish the migrating corridors to enlarge their living space. 

Some experts suggest that we can lure the elephants to return to their old habitat to avoid human-elephant conflict. However, I think it is better to build a national elephant park in Yunnan. Here involves a new concept called Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood, BCON for short. BCON is to expand biodiversity conservation from the national protected area to the nearby neighborhood. In this way, we can rebuild the habitat for the elephants and ensure the safety of the people living nearby. 

BJNEWS: What are your recommendations for this national park in terms of site selection and construction process?

Zhou: We think it’s a good idea to build corridors among national and regional reserves and establish a national park system. 

It’s also important for us humans to protect the animals that are outside of their protected area. For example, birds often fly out of their protected habitat without knowing. We should set up a BCON area to protect these animals. 

BJNEWS: Birds are often mild, but for large animals like elephants, how can we live in harmony with them?

Zhou: Elephants are not beasts. They are afraid of people. We have co-existed with elephants for a long time. For example, experts in Africa know how to set up fences to keep elephants away from houses. CBCGDF has been preparing such methods and support to local authorities, but some aspects are hard to compromise such as economic development. 

BJNEWS: Elephants have made it to Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, where endangered plant species are grown. That is, protected animals are combating protected plants. What are your suggestions? 

Zhou: I don’t think we should worry so much about it. Elephants won’t pick endangered plants to eat on purpose. But if they do, we can intervene then. CBCGDF has contacted some elephant capture and transportation experts and prepared to put them back to their old habitat if necessary. This is feasible but it’s not time yet. 

BJNEWS: Well, the elephants have moved for over 500 kilometers now and the rain season is coming. Do you think it’s imperative to find them a home, or they can keep wandering like this?

Zhou: If they keep wandering, they may face extreme weather or lack of food. But our technology enables us to feed and track them along the way, build up fences, and evacuate locals in advance. These measures can keep both elephants and people safe and sound. 

On the other hand, many highways and railways are spreading across the land, and it is hard for elephants to find a suitable habitat on their own. We should give minimum intervention and guidance. Our international experts will get involved in this and experts from Kenya said they could come to the scene if necessary or provide assistance online. So it is possible that we can transfer those elephants back to their old habitat with the support of those experts and the geographical conditions of the local area. It is also worth discussing finding new habitats for them along the way. 

Journalist: Zhang Lu

Translator/Iris

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