(TH) Artificial insemination projects to increase elephant population

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*Artificial insemination projects to increase elephant population*

 

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=9192

 

The elephant population in Thailand has decreased to less than 5,000 as they

have been abandoned and left uncared. Concern authorities have made efforts

to increase the huge animal’s population through artificial insemination

projects.

 

Phang Sommai is the latest casualty at the Elephant Conservation Centre in

northern Lampang province. Her palms were seriously injured and she cannot

walk.

 

Phang Sommai’s injuries highlight the plight of Thai elephants. Some lost

their legs after stepping on landmines while dragging timber in the forest.

Many others were wounded by cars while roaming Bangkok’s streets as a result

of their mahouts’ exploitation.

 

" Elephants brought to the cities usually become stressed. Sometimes they run

wild, hurting people and damaging property. They also suffer from exhaust

fumes, as their trunk which is a highly sensitive organ, is at the same

level as car exhaust pipes, and they inhale the toxic fumes directly, " said

Preecha Puangkam, a veterinarian at Mae Sa Elephant Camp.

 

Despite attempts to improve the well-being of elephants, about 400 of the

pachyderms wander in cities. As a result, there are more untimely deaths

than there are babies born, causing an imbalance in the elephant population.

 

Lack of opportunity for natural mating also contributes to the dwindling

population of Thai elephants.

 

A female elephant normally gives birth to a single calf, with a 23-month

gestation period, longer than other animals.

 

" Mahouts prefer to have elephants working for money than anything else.

Elephant camps also want to keep female elephants as they are easily tamed.

This means the males and females have less opportunity to meet and mate, "

said Sitthidech Mahawangsakul, a veterinarian at Elephant Conservation

Centre.

 

However, researchers have successfully developed an artificial breeding

programme to increase the elephant population and reduce weak

characteristics caused by inbreeding. It recently welcomed ‘Khun Plai’, said

to be the first baby elephant in Asia born to a mother who was artificially

inseminated with fresh semen.

 

" From this success, we are seeing the way to breed Thai elephants and

conserve the huge animal, " said Ronnachit Rungsri, a veterinarian at the

Elephant Artificial Insemination Project.

 

Research into frozen elephant semen has also been carried out. The frozen

semen can be kept for about 20 years for artificial insemination. Phang Sao

was given frozen semen and now she is pregnant, with delivery of her baby

expected in September. Researchers say the new born will be the world’s

first elephant baby from frozen semen and a new hope for the conservation of

Thai elephants. -(TNA)

 

 

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" Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man

will not himself find peace. " -Albert Schweitzer