An initial study on habitat conservation of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), with a focus on human elephant conflict in Simao, China

摘要: Abstract The impact of the Asian elephant, Elephas maximus , on rural agricultural economy in Simao region Yunnan province, China, was assessed from 1996 to 2000. Elephants were responsible for large-scale crop and property damage, which caused serious human–elephant conflicts region. Attempts made reduce conflicts, by building man-made salt ponds forest, digging trenches protect farmland, as well governmental compensation. An integrated community development elephant habitat conservation project is practice Simao. It focused support promote social tolerance damage elephants. community-based efforts played an important role solve conflicts.