Ecology: Asia has lost over 64% of its suitable habitat for elephants since 1700 | Scientific Reports | Nature’s portfolio

Across Asia, the suitable habitat for the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) has declined by more than 64% since 1700, with an estimated loss of 3.3 million square kilometers, according to a paper by Shermin de Silva and colleagues.Scientific reportsTo be published in After centuries of relative stability, suitable habitat for the Asian elephant began to decline after 1700, reflecting colonial land-use practices and subsequent agricultural intensification in South Asia. De Silva et al.

The habitat of the Asian elephant is diverse and includes grasslands, rainforests, and more. However, with the increased use of land by humans and the loss of elephant habitat, there is potential for conflict between Asian elephants and humans. Studies that examine the historical distribution and land-use change of elephant habitats can use data on elephants and environmental factors to develop models to estimate habitat suitability and its changes over time for a given region as a whole.

De Silva and colleagues estimate the evolution of Asian elephant ecosystem expansion and fragmentation in 13 countries from AD 850 to 2015, and account for changes in habitat suitability from AD 1700 to 2015. Habitats beyond a predetermined threshold are classified as suitable habitat, and ecological criteria (ratio primary forest to pasture, non-forest vegetation, cropping and irrigation patterns, timber harvesting, urbanization, etc.). The habitat suitability model was developed on the basis of

De Silva and colleagues compared elephants’ current ranges in Asia to areas within 100 km. In 1700, 100% of a radius of 100 km could be classified as suitable habitat, but by 2015 that range had fallen by more than half (48.6%). Mainland China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam and Sumatra have each lost more than half of their suitable habitat, with the most pronounced decline at about 94% of their suitable habitat. China and India have lost about 86% of their suitable habitat. , offered. Land estimates in Borneo indicate that habitats suitable for elephants have expanded. De Silva and his colleagues suggest that the loss of suitable habitat for Asian elephants has created the potential for conflict between them and humans.

De Silva and colleagues are using previous studies to improve our understanding of elephant habitat distribution in Asia and to support the development of sustainable land use and conservation strategies that meet the needs of both elephants and people. She concludes that it is important to take landscape into account.

doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-30650-8

“Nature’s Landmarks” is a translated version of a press release from Nature’s Public Affairs Division. If you need more accurate and detailed information, be sure to refer to the original article.

Return to the list of “Highlights of Interest” articles