Saving the Last Giants of Sumatra

In the rapidly shrinking rainforests of Sumatra, the Sumatran elephant is fighting to survive. These elephants used to live and breed across large areas of land, helping keep their population healthy. But now, they are Critically Endangered. Their habitat has been reduced to small, scattered patches, leaving them isolated in pockets of wilderness. This isolation puts them at risk of one of the biggest threats a species can face: inbreeding.

Enter the meta-population strategy-a last resort and our best hope to ensure the survival of this enigmatic species. This involves moving male elephants from one area to another. These male elephants, called dispersal males, would naturally travel long distances to find new herds to breed with. But because their habitat has shrunk so much, they can no longer make these long journeys on their own. Without help, they are stuck and unable to help the species stay healthy.

A young bull in the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem is observed starting to disperse from the Ginting elephant herd

The International Elephant Project (IEP), in partnership with the Frankfurt Zoological Society, supports the Elephant Conservation and Monitoring Unit. This specialised team is part of the Wildlife Protection Unit in the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem. Their job is to track and monitor both elephant herds and dispersal males. When the time is right, they plan to help move these important males to other ecosystems like Way Kambas National Park, Tesso Nilo National Park, and the Leuser Ecosystem.

This work is very important. Without moving these male elephants, the isolated groups will be more likely to inbreed, which reduces their genetic diversity. By moving males from one group to another, the meta-population strategy helps reduce this risk and gives the elephants a better chance to survive.

But moving a large male elephant is not easy. These elephants are big, smart, and have strong personalities. Safely transporting them over long distances takes a lot of planning and coordination. The Elephant Conservation and Monitoring Unit not only tracks the elephants but also works hard to prevent conflicts between elephants and humans. By keeping an eye on the herds and dispersal males, they can help keep people safe and give the elephants the space they need to live.

Elephant Conservation Monitoring Unit Ranger Kamel observes elephant group in the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem

The meta-population strategy gives hope for the future. It’s a way to make sure these ancient giants continue to live in Sumatra’s forests for many years to come. But time is running out, and your support is important. By helping us, you are helping protect one of the world’s most amazing animals and making sure they are not lost forever.

Thank you for being part of this important work to save Sumatran elephants. Together, we are making a difference.