Boosting human-elephant coexistence in China: New community ranger network in Xishuangbanna

(Yunnan, China - May 14, 2024) - To improve the safety of both humans and elephants and ensure safe coexistence, a new community ranger network has been established in China. The rangers will safeguard nearly 150,000 residents from about 500 communities which have had increasing sightings of elephants.

IFAW established the Human-Elephant Conflict Prevention Community Ranger Network (Community Ranger Network) in collaboration with Mengla County Forestry and Grassland Administration. About 40 local rangers, together with government officials from the Forestry and Grassland Administration of Mengla County, attended a ceremony and training day to launch the new network.

"Communities are at the forefront of Asian elephant conservation, but they also bear the greatest risks," says YK Ma, Program Manager with IFAW in China. "Through this project, we hope to bring professional safety knowledge to rangers, as well as communities and village residents, which helps to promote the harmonious coexistence of humans and Asian elephants."

Xishuangbanna is home to most of the 300 remaining wild Asian elephants in China. Mengla County, which lies in the southeastern part of Xishuangbanna, is frequently visited by about 130 Asian elephants. In recent years, elephant movement has gradually expanded to regions that historically did not have elephants, causing increased safety incidents.

To support those people living alongside the elephants, IFAW has designed a curriculum for rangers that empowers them to share this safety training with community leaders, residents, and educators. The rangers are also given outdoor gear to ensure they are protected during their daily patrols and fieldwork.

"IFAW has rich experience in scientific research, community development, and community education, and we believe this collaboration will better contribute to biodiversity and Asian elephant conservation in Mengla, reduce human-elephant safety incidents, and create a harmonious coexistence for humans and elephants," says Meng Chen, an authority from the Mengla Nature Reserve Management Bureau.

IFAW started the Community Ranger Network in 2021 with Jinghong Forestry and Grassland Administration. As of December 2023, IFAW's Community Ranger Network in Jinghong had conducted a total of 540 trainings and classes across 186 communities, reaching 13,571 villagers.

Recognised for its efforts and achievements, IFAW was invited by the local government to expand its work in Mengla. As part of this work, IFAW carried out preliminary evaluations in 20 Mengla communities where the most frequent Asian elephant movements occur. This helped IFAW to understand the current knowledge, attitudes, and actions of community residents surrounding elephant safety precautions.

ENDS

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