Myanmar’s wild elephants face alarming rate of extinction

NAYPYITAW — Myanmar’s wild elephants face alarming rate of extinction by hunters during 2010 to 2018. Around 123 wild elephants have been killed so far, according to Director of Mandalay Region Forestry Department Tint Swe.

“According to the statistics I’ve gathered, during 10 years from 2010 to 2018, and we are in the middle of 2018, about 123 elephants have been killed. There may be other killings of elephants more than this number. It could lead to the extinction of wild elephants. We need to conserve our wildlife. It reached an alarming rate. We all need to join hands to protect these elephants,” said Tint Swe.

On July 21, an elephant was killed by poisoned arrows from a Tumee rifle in lower Mattya reserve forest area, in Singu Township according to Regional Forest Department. Poachers escaped without getting to carved the dead elephants for parts.

Elephant skin as well as ivory or tusks have long been part of the illegal wildlife trade and the demand of elephant skin had increased recently, leading to the rise in elephant killings. Those parts goes to big illegal markets such as in Myanmar-China border.

Some elephants were killed in wars waged against humans over land and resources. According to government figures, since 2010, at least 35 people and 95 elephants have died this way.

Some elephants were targeted by hunters who use poisoned arrows or guns to kill animals so they can sell their body parts.