Why Are Asian Elephants Endangered?

Asian Elephants are an endangered species. They are endangered due to poaching and their habitats being destroyed for agricultural use. When their habitats are ruined with highways, their migratory route is cut off. When this happens they cannot mix with other herds.

People also capture wild elephants which decreases their population. In some regions, such as Myanmar, it has become illegal to capture Asian Elephant. They are still captured in Myanmar due to the timber and tourist industries or to be illegally traded.

How do Asian Elephants Affect the Environment?

Asian Elephants are extremely important to their ecosystem because they limit vegetation. They are also very important to plants because they spread the seeds of plants.

Elephants are a crucial part of the survival of trees. In areas where Asian Elephants live the trees have become dependent on the elephants for seed dispersal. In areas where elephants have gone extinct, the local trees do too.

Elephants also help other animals in their ecosystem. The Asian Elephant creates gaps in vegetation when they eat, which allows for new plants to grow, It also leaves a pathway for other animals.