China's Wild Asian Elephant Population Nears 400 as Conservation Efforts Pay Off

China's wild Asian elephant population has climbed to nearly 400, according to fresh monitoring data released on World Elephant Day by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The figure marks a significant recovery for a species that numbered only about 150 in the country during the 1980s.

Wild Asian elephants, listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and under first-class national protection in China, are primarily found in Yunnan Province, near the borders of Myanmar and Laos.

The population growth is especially notable given the species' slow breeding cycle and the global trend of decline. Conservationists attribute the turnaround to a combination of systematic habitat protection, technology-driven monitoring, and coordinated efforts to balance human and elephant needs.

A key moment in public awareness came between March 2020 and August 2021, when a herd known as the "short-nose family" wandered more than 1,300 kilometers across Yunnan. The journey drew global attention and highlighted how local communities are learning to coexist with the animals.

Since the herd returned to its original habitat, China has moved forward with plans to establish an Asian Elephant National Park. Conservation efforts across the border regions of Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Lincang have been strengthened, with ecological corridors gradually being connected.

Authorities have deployed infrared cameras, drones, and smart broadcasting systems to create a round-the-clock monitoring and early warning network. This allows real-time tracking of elephant movements and helps prevent conflicts with villagers.

To address crop damage, Yunnan has pioneered a public liability insurance scheme for farmers. Infrastructure designed to prevent elephant intrusion and regular patrols by designated crews are also in place.

Zhou Chenhao, director of the Monitoring Office at the Xishuangbanna Asian Elephant Conservation Management Center, noted that infrastructure development is being carried out with wildlife in mind. "Each elephant herd has its own fixed route of movement. They move through the forest, and right above them is a highway overpass. We made sure that building this expressway will not destroy their habitat or block their migration corridor," he said.

Chen Fei, director of the Asian Elephant Research Center under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, said the upcoming national park will integrate conservation efforts across Pu'er, Xishuangbanna, and Lincang. "We will establish the national park to coordinate and integrate conservation efforts... so that we can more effectively protect Asian elephants and the ecosystems they rely on," he added.

Experts say the steady rise in population is reflected not only in numbers but also in the elephants' more natural movement and social behaviors, signaling a broader ecological win for the region.