Experts Urge Tourists: Do Not Feed Wild Elephants

Recent research has highlighted significant dangers associated with tourists feeding wild elephants, particularly in Asia, where the species faces severe endangerment. As human-elephant encounters increase due to the shrinking habitats of these magnificent creatures, many tourists are drawn to the idea of feeding them, often for the purpose of taking photographs. However, this practice can have serious consequences for both elephants and humans.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, indicates that feeding elephants leads to unhealthy behaviors and increased aggression towards humans. The research, published in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence, utilized data from Sri Lanka and India to illustrate the risks associated with this behavior. According to the study's findings, many tourists mistakenly perceive Asian elephants as tame and gentle, akin to pets, which can lead to dangerous situations.

Dr. Shermin de Silva, the lead researcher, has spent 18 years observing the interaction between tourists and elephants at the Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka. Her observations reveal a concerning trend: elephants that are fed by humans develop a begging behavior and become increasingly reliant on sugary foods. This dependency can result in dire situations, including instances where elephants have broken through fences to continue receiving food from tourists.

The consequences of these interactions can be fatal. The study documented several incidents where both humans and elephants lost their lives due to the reckless feeding of these wild animals. In one case, a young bull elephant was hit by a bus after it crossed a road following a breach of a fence.

Moreover, researchers discovered that elephants have ingested harmful materials, including plastic bags containing food. Tourists have been observed giving the animals fruits such as mangoes still encased in plastic wrappers, posing further health risks. The potential for disease transmission between humans and elephants is another significant concern, as is the risk of elephants losing their natural foraging abilities.

In Udawalawe National Park, it is estimated that between 800 and 1,200 wild elephants inhabit the area. Among them, at least 66 males have been documented engaging in begging behaviors. Some, like the bull known as Rambo, have garnered attention for their persistent requests for snacks from visitors.

The issue is not limited to Sri Lanka; similar problems have been reported in the Sigur Highlands of southern India, where elephants are routinely fed by tour operators and resorts to attract tourists. Tragically, four elephants have died as a direct result of these interactions.

In light of these findings, the authors of the study are calling for strict enforcement of feeding bans and the promotion of responsible tourism practices. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the population of wild Asian elephants was estimated to be between 41,000 and 52,000 across 13 countries as of 2018, with the majority residing in Sri Lanka and India. However, their numbers continue to decline, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) as a species at high risk of extinction.