Study published in the journal Scientific reportsspread that suitable habitats For Asian elephants they have decreased by more than 64%the equivalent of 3.3 million square kilometers of land, since 1700.

According to these findings, habitat loss due to 18th centuryafter many years of relative stability, directly coincides with colonial land use and later agricultural intensification in South Asia, and this continues to the present day.

To assess the historical distribution of elephant habitats and land use changes, one can model based on data collected about elephants and association with environmental factors.which allow us to conclude about suitability of habitat for an area over timeand therefore to demarcate what is considered “its habitat”.

Investigation led Shermin DeSylvaFounder Trunks and Leaves Inc., dedicated to the conservation of elephants, assesses the size change and fragmentation of Asian elephant ecosystems in 13 countries calculate change in suitable habitat since 1700.

For a habitat to be considered suitable, it must exceed the threshold is determined and modeled according to environmental criteria which include, among other factors, percentage of primary forests non-forest vegetation, cultivation and watering schemes, Logging rates and urbanizationThis is stated in a statement from the University of California at San Diego.

The authors of the De Silva study compared the territory in 100 kilometers of the current distribution of elephants in Asia and found that in 1700 He 100% of the area could be considered suitable habitat.but in 2015 less than half are considered suitable for the species (48.6%).

Based on the data, it is assumed that mainland China, India, bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam And Sumatra they have each lost more than half of its area range of suitable habitat, with the largest reduction China (around 94% lost) And India (around 86% lost habitat).

The exception to the rule within the scope of the study is Borneowhich left the only area where increase in proper length for elephants.

However, the authors suggest that a slowdown in its development may lead to increased conflict between elephants and humans.

Conclusions made in the publication Scientific reportsThey emphasize the importance take into account the history of the landscape to understand the distribution of elephants in Asia and help develop more sustainable land use and conservation strategies to meet the needs of both elephants and humans.

(According to information from Europe Press)