Imagine living in a bustling, modern city filled with daily commotion—vehicles, pedestrians, vibrant markets, and performers in public squares.

Recently, however, the city of Kunming, China, with a population of around 6 million, witnessed an extraordinary spectacle: a herd of wild elephants roaming near its outskirts.

Since March 2020, a group of 15 elephants has traveled over 300 miles through Yunnan Province, leaving their protected reserve. They wandered through farmlands, towns, and cities before coming within two miles of Kunming, only to change direction days later.

Why Did They Leave?

The reason behind their departure from the Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve remains unclear. However, their remarkable journey has drawn attention to the urgent need for conservation efforts for Asian elephants. These majestic creatures often face less global attention than their relatives in other regions, yet they face equally pressing challenges.

The Status of Asian Elephants

Asian elephants inhabit forests and grasslands across 13 countries in South and Southeast Asia, making them the largest land mammals in the region. Tragically, their numbers have dwindled to fewer than 50,000 in the wild, leaving them endangered. Habitat loss and human-animal conflicts are significant threats to their survival, exacerbated by the growing human population.

These animals require vast spaces and resources, spending up to 18 hours daily searching for food and water. As much as 70% of their population now lives outside protected areas, frequently crossing paths with human communities.

Human-Elephant Interactions

When elephants venture into human-dominated landscapes, conflicts can arise. For example, the recent herd in China caused an estimated $1.1 million in damage to crops and property. While local authorities successfully avoided injuries to both people and animals, such conflicts elsewhere often result in harm to humans and retaliation against elephants, further threatening their numbers.

Moving Toward Harmony

Resolving human-wildlife interactions is a complex challenge. While reactive strategies like fencing, noise deterrents, and compensation programs help, a sustainable approach requires addressing the root causes of these conflicts. Understanding what drove the elephants from their home range is critical in shaping solutions.

A comprehensive strategy involves not only immediate conflict mitigation but also long-term measures to ensure coexistence. These efforts require collaboration between local communities, conservationists, and policymakers.

A Global Opportunity

As the herd retreats from Kunming, the city prepares for another significant event—the upcoming 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. This gathering of global leaders offers a chance to place coexistence at the forefront of discussions about biodiversity preservation.

By integrating specific coexistence goals into the Global Biodiversity Framework, the future of both people and wildlife can be safeguarded. Collaborative efforts at all levels—from international to local—are vital to creating a world where elephants and humans thrive side by side.