Houston Exhibit Showcases Life-Sized Elephant Sculptures Made from Invasive Plants

Efforts to conserve Asian elephants are intensifying across several regions, as highlighted by recent initiatives and studies. In Cambodia, DNA analysis revealed a more robust elephant population than expected, demonstrating the positive impact of ongoing conservation but emphasizing the continued risk from habitat loss and human encroachment. In both Malaysia and Sri Lanka, human-elephant conflict remains a significant challenge due to expanding agricultural and residential development into traditional elephant habitats, necessitating a combination of community education, targeted management strategies, and technological solutions. Sri Lanka, home to Asia's largest concentration of free-ranging elephants, is leveraging advanced technology—including drones, AI-powered analytics, and spatial modeling—to predict and reduce conflict zones, while interdisciplinary projects like the Sri Lanka Elephant Project (SLEP) provide data-driven support to local stakeholders. These efforts underscore the need for location-specific, community-inclusive approaches to promote coexistence and ensure the long-term survival of endangered elephant populations.