How Humans Have Fragmented Elephant Habitats Across Asia: A Historical Perspective

Asian elephants are a beloved animal, with an iconic status and a long history with humans. However, their future is at risk due to a multitude of human activities, including deforestation, mining, dam building, and road construction. With only 45,000 to 50,000 individuals worldwide, Asian elephants are one of the most endangered large mammals. In a new study, researchers sought to understand how human actions have fragmented wildlife habitats and populations to the degree seen today. By examining Asian landscapes that were once suitable elephant habitat, researchers were able to quantify the impacts of human activity and identify potential solutions. Through historical data and machine-learning algorithms, researchers were able to map the decline in suitable elephant habitat from the 1700s to the present day, with a 64% decline in total suitable habitat. To protect and recover ecosystems that serve both people and wildlife, there is a need to balance human requirements with wildlife needs and restore traditional forms of land management and local stewardship of these landscapes.