Over 4,700 domesticated elephants used in Myanmar for economic undertakings

 A total of 4,748 domesticated elephants in Myanmar are being used in timber extraction, heavy lifting as well as for riding at eco-tourism sites, official media reported on Wednesday.

However, about 72 wild elephants were killed by hunters from 2010 to 2017. Myanmar now has nearly 2,500 wild elephants in rainforests.

To protect wild elephants against hunters, Myanmar government has built wild elephant reserves, including those in Hukaung Valley, Alaungdaw Kathapa, Shwe U Daung, Myauk Zar Mayee, Rakhine and Yoma.

Myanmar has also signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to protect wild elephants, setting aside 9,205 square miles for elephant sanctuaries.

Both local and international non-governmental organizations are exerting efforts to expand the area of land for wildlife reserves in the country.

At present, a local NGO and an elephant conservation organization from Australia are planning to establish an elephant reserve in the country.

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Wild elephant poisoned in Pathein

A wild elephant was found dead in Thalatkhwar forest reserve in Pathein Township, Ayeyawady Region, on June 13 with forensic tests showing it died of poisoning, not natural causes, according to the Patheintaung Timber Enterprise.

"The elephant was found to have an arrow wound with bleeding from its trunk and anus. We found that the elephant died of poisoning, not natural causes," said Myo Aung, manager of the enterprise.

He added that the elephant might have been shot far from the scene where it was found dead.

It was a male, almost 8 feet long and six feet tall.

The township forestry department, police and Madawgon village administrator were jointly investigating, it was announced.

Wild elephants are frequently found dead or killed in forests.

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Hmaw Yaw Gyi elephants draw thousands of visitors

Over 4,000 local and foreign visitors visited Hmaw Yaw Gyi elephant camp in Kyauktaga Township in Bago Region during the past 10 months.

The new elephant reserve is situated one mile away from Mile Post 105/4 on the Bago Region highway. The elephant-based tourism camp was opened on World Elephants’ Day, 12 August 2016.
The elephant park is one of Myanmar’s most popular destinations. Bago Region is home to four major elephant reserves including Kyein Ni, Khayu Chaung, Thingan Myaung and Hmaw Yaw Gyi elephant camps. Among the four elephant camps, the Hmaw Yaw Gyi has been chosen as a tourist destination and opened to spectators.

Hmaw Yaw Gyi is home to 25 elephants. Visitors can also greet and ride some of the elephants. On an average public holiday, about 90 people visit Hmaw Yaw Gyi. Myanmar nationals pay an entrance fee of Ks1,000 and Ks5,000 for elephant-riding. Foreign tourists are charged Ks20,000 each for entrance fees and elephant riding at the Hmaw Yaw Gyi elephant camp.

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