There are many reasons the Asian elephant is endangered, but some of the primary reasons are: Habitat loss; Poaching; and Tourism. All around south and southeast Asia, humans continue to overpopulate areas, demanding a need for more land and infrastructure. The elephants need space to roam around, and can eat 300 pounds worth of grasses and plants every day. These beautiful creatures are having a difficult time surviving with that diet and lifestyle, when all of their habitat is being cut down. The closer they are pushed to sharing land with humans, the greater the risk that they will accidentally eat a farmer's crop or run in to someone who wants to kill them for their ivory. Although poaching is illegal, male Asian elephants who are born with tusks probably see it more as a curse than a blessing. On the black market, ivory is worth thousands and Asian people have had very old traditions with carving it. Young elephants are sometimes captured from the wild to be used in the tourist and entertainment industry, and are not always treated with the respect they deserve. Not only that, but their mothers are usually killed in the process of trying to protect them. These elephants will most likely die before their sixth birthday.
Not only are wild Asian elephants constantly in danger, but so are the domesticated ones as well. In Southeast Asia, many elephants had been domesticated for logging, tourism, and because they are a major part of some Asian cultures. These elephants and their mahouts, their caretakers, drag logs for the timber industry. By doing this, they are hurting themselves as well as being forced to destroy their habitat. To make matters worse, when logging is banned, these elephants and their mahouts are left unemployed. The elephants then most likely die of starvation. Domesticated elephants in the tourist industry are also usually improperly cared for. Even without the intention of harm, there has been a steady decline of skilled mahouts, leading to their mistreatment.
Thankfully, conservation efforts are in place to help the Asian elephants. Logging and poaching is now illegal in the countries these mighty creatures call home. There are elephant sanctuaries in Thailand and other countries. These elephants once used in the logging industry, are cared for by properly trained mahouts. Efforts have also been made to release elephants back into their natural habitat and increase their population. Awareness has played a part in the conservation of the Asian elephants, with tourists learning and spreading the word about this smaller species. This beautiful creature may be endangered for now, but with increasing awareness and solutions, the Asian elephant can hopefully make it off the endangered species list.
References
http://www.eleaid.com/elephant-information/differences-african-asian-elephants/
https://globalelephants.org/the-basics/?
http://www.animalplanet.com/wild-animals/endangered-species/asian-elephant/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/a/asian-elephant/
https://www.amnh.org/explore/science-bulletins/bio/documentaries/wild-at-heart-the-plight-of-elephants-in-thailand/asian-elephants-threats-and-solutions/
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