Asian elephant guardians honored in Xishuangbanna for pioneering conservation and promoting human elephant co existence efforts

(Yunnan, China- 5 September 2024) - Five outstanding rangers were honored for their exceptional contributions to enhancing Human-Elephant co-existence in China. The five rangers and their teams safeguard over 60,000 community residents who live alongside 230 Asian elephants.

The ceremony, highlighting the region's commitment to biodiversity, was organized by the Jinghong Forestry and Grassland Bureau and supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Conservation Foundation. It emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting the Asian elephants. Currently, about 300 wild Asian elephants inhabit Yunnan, with Xishuangbanna serving as a vital habitat, housing over two-thirds of China's wild population.

As the elephant population has increased and their activity range has expanded, the frequency of encounters with local communities has also risen, leading to greater impacts on the livelihoods of surrounding residents. This has prompted the need of innovative safety measures and education to ensure harmonious coexistence. In response, IFAW and Jinghong Forestry and Grassland Administration jointly launched the Community Ranger Network initiative in April 2021. This initiative includes training programs designed to prevent Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) and equipped rangers with the skills needed for effective community outreach.

"The establishment of the ranger network has enhanced the immediacy and effectiveness of information sharing," said Yan Dan, Senior Engineer at the Jinghong Forestry and Grassland Administration, "Moreover, the rangers are fostering a greater understanding of co-existence with elephants among residents, leading to active participation in community safety initiatives."

One of the awardees, Pu Yongbing from Dadugang Township, said: "As a former Asian elephant monitor, I've learned that protecting both people and elephants is vital. The training I received has greatly enhanced my outreach skills, enabling me to communicate the importance of biodiversity conservation and harmonious co-existence of residents and elephants to my community."

As of the end of 2023, the ranger network had expanded to five townships and 186 villages, with over 16,000 households engaged in safety prevention efforts. Feedback from the rangers indicates they conducted 168 successful interventions through community outreach and education.

IFAW has provided rangers with patrol uniforms and thermal imaging devices. "Rangers play a crucial role in monitoring Asian elephants and providing early warnings to communities," said YK Ma, Program Manager with IFAW China office, "We are committed to empowering them and encouraging more residents to engage in the protection of Asian elephants and their habitats."

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