The Asian elephant population grows in southwest China

A herd of Asian elephants in Yunnan Province has added four newborn cubs in three years, indicating a healthy and thriving wild Asian elephant population. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

In 2020, the herd left Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve and travelled north, reaching Kunming city. The elephants then travelled south and returned to their home reserve in December 2021.

Currently, the herd is divided into two groups: one of 13 elephants remains in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, while the other, consisting of 7 elephants, lives in Da Du Gang with other wild elephants.

Experts point out that the frequent births of elephants and the separation and merging of herds indicate a strong connection between the elephant groups and their successful breeding.

Experts also emphasise that Asian elephants are a keystone species of the rainforest ecosystem and are under state protection in China.

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