One calf, trying to drink water, was seen plunging head first into a pond. But, inevitably for viral sensations, interest in the elephants has begun to wane and viewer numbers are dwindling. In recent days, one stray member—a ten-year-old, 1. Another youngster has fallen nine miles behind, prompting the rest of the herd to halt and wait for him, while trumpeting encouragement. Not least as the wandering herd appears to be heading towards the city of Kunming, where China is hosting the COP15 U.
A healthy and complete ecosystem is the cornerstone of sustainable economic development. Nobody is clear why the herd set out on this unprecedented trek. Some suggest that environmental degradation may have spurred them; others believe they are simply lost. Elephants live in matriarchal family groups, meaning an older, usually more experienced female is typically the boss. With the angry animals hot on my heels, I barely escaped by diving into a tangle of vines, shuddering with fear but oddly enthralled by it all, too.
Many residents of southern China must be feeling similarly. No one knows exactly where the elephants are going, or why. This whole journey has captured the imagination of millions of Chinese citizens, with state broadcaster CCTV carrying a hour live feed of the spectacle.
At first blush, this sounds like a scenario that could go very badly for the elephants. When pachyderms and people collide, elephants usually lose. But hope remains for the wandering herd. Asian elephants are a legally protected species in China. Hundreds of police officers assisted by drones have been monitoring the intrepid animals, while wildlife officials are trying to steer them away from populated areas with food baits and roadblocks involving hundreds of trucks.
So far, some 3, people have been evacuated temporarily to clear a path for the elephants. However, China is one of the few places in the world where the elephant population is growing thanks to extensive conservation efforts. China has cracked down hard on poaching and, as a result, the wild elephant population in Yunnan province has gone from in the s to about today. But urbanisation and deforestation have reduced habitats for elephants and so, say experts, they could be looking for a new home with better access to food.
These giants of the jungle are mean eating machines, slaves to their gut, and so spend much of their lives looking for the to kg of food they need every day. Experts are pleased the journey hasn't caused any dangerous confrontations with humans, and there are other positives. The drones that authorities have deployed to monitor the elephants have given researchers a huge amount of quality information without disturbing the animals. And provided an excited public with unforgettable photographs.
Ms Olivier also highlights the co-operation between government, local authorities and conservation projects to protect the herd. In recent months, officials have been laying food bait and blocking roads with trucks to redirect the elephants to safety. A very common mistake is trying to tell elephants what they should be doing.
Elephants aren't evolved to be told what to do. When we try to tell them what to do over long distances, it can create lots of aggressive behaviours," Mr Campos-Arceiz said. Chinese media have been checking in on the group of elephants daily. And the herd has become a social media hit with internet users.
All the attention has increased awareness and sensitivity to the plight of the endangered elephants in the country, and the global interest is likely to have far-reaching effects. Giant rhino fossils in China point to new species. Ivory from shipwreck reveals elephants' decline. Image source, Reuters. A herd of endangered elephants in China has completely dumbfounded scientists globally. Scientists baffled.
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