Mammals

Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)

elephas

The Asian or Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus), is one of the three living species of elephant (worldwide), and the only living species of the genus Elephas. Asia is home to the 4 known living subspecies of Elephas, from the 25 known to science. All the world elephants are listed as endangered with habitat destruction being their main threat.

Elephas maximus indices is the largest living land animal in Thailand. It is endangered, with up to 25,000 left in the world and approximately 1500 wild animals left in Thailand. This animal had been widely domesticated, and has been used in forestry in South and Southeast Asia for centuries. However, one must not mistake the supposed gentleness of the domesticated animals with the wild elephants. Wild elephants are perhaps the most dangerous mammal in Thailand and have killed humans in both Thap Lan National Park and Kaeng Krachan National Park, of Thailand, in recent years. They present an outstanding forcefulness and mastery of their territory to those lucky enough to see them in the wild. Thailand is blessed to have surviving wild populations of these magnificent creatures.

Here is a small sample of my sightings of wild elephants with those of the other TWC members,

https://thailandwildlife.photoshelter.com/gallery/Elephants/G00000iWzPJ7JdOc/C00005fXvUUxWAVs

 

Log in to comment

"Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." > Edward O. Wilson

"An understanding of the Natural World and whats in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment." > Sir David Attenborough

“Climb up on some hill at sunrise.  Everybody needs perspective once in a while, and you’ll find it there.” > Robb Sagendorph

©2023 wildlifethailand.com

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.