ELEPHANT – ENVIRONMENT

ELEPHANT – ENVIRONMENT

NEWS: Over 800 elephants died in Kerala in 8 years

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The report said that calves faced a higher risk of death from Haemorrhagic Disease, a viral infection.

 

Key Points on Elephant Deaths in Kerala's Forests:

 

Death Statistics:

 

  • Elephant Deaths: 845 recorded between 2015 and 2023.
  • Increasing Trend: Studies show a rising death rate over time.

 

Age-Specific Mortality:

  • Young Elephants at Risk: Elephants under 10 years face the highest mortality risk, around 40%.
  • Cause: Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses – Hemorrhagic Disease (EEHV-HD).

 

Immunity and Herd Size:

  • Better Survival in Larger Herds: Larger herds exhibit shared immunity, improving calf survival rates.
  • Exposure: Calves exposed to various EEHV-HD strains in larger herds develop antibodies.

 

Habitat and Herd Fragmentation:

  • Habitat Restoration: Essential to prevent EEHV-HD from becoming a major threat.
  • Herd Fragmentation: Shrinkage of herds in sub-optimal habitats due to limited fodder availability.

 

Current Threats:

  • Shrinking Habitats: Increasing vulnerability from habitat loss and fragmentation.
  • Climate Change: Sensitivity to high temperatures and competition from invasive species.
  • Disease Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to diseases due to environmental stressors.

 

Influencing Factors:

  • Human Activities: Land-use changes, water balance, temperature fluctuations, and disturbances from human activities affect elephant distribution.

 

Recommendations:

  • Systematic Approach: Adopt a structured protocol similar to Tamil Nadu’s Elephant Death Audit Framework (EDAF).
  • Comprehensive Investigations: To identify patterns, assess threats, and implement targeted conservation measures effectively.

 

Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses:  refers to a type of herpesvirus that specifically targets endothelial cells. Endothelial cells line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. When these viruses infect endothelial cells, they can cause significant damage to the blood vessels, leading to conditions such as hemorrhagic disease, where severe internal bleeding occurs due to the breakdown of these cells.

 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/845-elephant-deaths-recorded-in-kerala-in-eight-years/article68417631.ece