Delicate balance needed for animals, humans

Asian elephants, once widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, are an iconic species with significant ecological value. At present, the global population of wild Asian elephants is around 50,000, with their habitats scattered across 13 countries. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List categorizes the Asian elephant as an endangered species.

In Yunnan province, there are nearly 300 wild Asian elephants in Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Pu'er city and Lincang prefecture. Since 1988, the animals have been classified as first-class protected species in the country.

The number of Asian elephants in China has increased from over 180 individuals in the 1990s to around 300 at present.