In dealing with wild elephants, local residents generally use beating gongs and drums, setting off firecrackers, shining with strong light, making smoke, stimulating smells, and using dummies to deter them. But wild elephants are very clever, and they gradually understand these methods through learning. Sometimes, instead of running away, they attack directly, which leads residents to take extreme measures such as shooting and poisoning, which further angers wild elephants to retaliate ... The contradiction between people and elephants has intensified. Asian elephants (including Indian elephants) have been listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Washington Convention), listed as endangered species (en) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and also listed as national first-class protected animals in China. Countries with wild elephants have taken or are taking various measures to protect them, and some countries and regions also regard them as flagship species, which promotes the protection of wild elephants' habitats while protecting them.
There is still a long way to go to protect elephants. On the one hand, we should protect all wild Indian elephants as much as possible. Establishing nature reserves is one of the most effective ways to protect the natural environment and natural resources. For example, in Xishuangbanna, Lincang and Simao (now Pu 'er) where Indian elephants are distributed, China has successively established five nature reserves: Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, Cangyuan Nangun River National Nature Reserve, Simao Laiyang River Provincial Nature Reserve, Nuozhadu Provincial Nature Reserve and Yingjiang Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve. Among them, the last few wild elephants in Tongbiguan area never came back after crossing the border. After the establishment of the reserve, they actively carried out recruitment work, hoping to rebuild it into a paradise for wild elephants, and also negotiated with Myanmar to study transnational protection plans. Establish ecological corridors between scattered protected areas
On the other hand, it is necessary to formulate and improve relevant laws and regulations, set up a law enforcement management team, strengthen management, and prevent Indian elephants from being artificially injured. At the same time, the conflict between people and elephants should be alleviated as much as possible, such as helping the poor and relocating the residents of the reserve to make room for wild animals such as Indian elephants; The economic losses caused by wild elephants are compensated by the government; Take measures such as erecting solar power grid and digging elephant ditch to prevent wild elephants from entering the production area of human life. However, the power grid must be set up under the guidance of experts. Improper setting may not play a role in preventing elephants, but may also cause harm to Indian elephants. Of course, the fundamental way to solve the conflict between man and elephant is to improve the living environment of wild elephants in nature. After all, wild elephants only invade human beings when the resources provided by nature are insufficient, and human beings occupy their living space first.
At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the study of Indian elephants and publicize and educate the public in various forms. India was the first country to domesticate Indian elephants, which began more than 3500 years BC. Domesticated elephants have many uses. Due to the slow breeding cycle of elephants, it is difficult for artificially bred elephants to meet the demand. A considerable number of domestic elephants are domesticated directly by wild elephants.
The wild elephant just caught is too wild, so people are not allowed to get close to it and don't eat what people give, so people lock it in a big tree. Later, driven by hunger, the captured Indian elephants will begin to eat, and their wildness will gradually weaken. During this time, the elephant trainer should stay with him day and night, take care of him, cultivate his feelings, train him, and sometimes take some punishment measures. Young elephants can be domesticated in about one month, while adult elephants need two months.
Training Indian elephants requires a combination of hard and soft, and teaching students in accordance with their aptitude. There are two training methods: compulsory training and induced training. Compulsory training is to use some compulsory stimulation to make them yield and do some actions; Induction training is the use of food rewards and other means to form a conditioned reflex of "rewarding the right action and punishing the wrong action". The former may make Indian elephants rebel or even hate, leading to resistance or revenge in the future; The latter has a better training effect, but it needs a certain emotional foundation. Of course, the training method is not absolute. Animals have feelings. If you are kind to them, they will naturally listen to you more. Some Indian elephants, especially young elephants, will build deep feelings with their trainers and train easily.
However, in reality, many people have carried out very cruel abuse training on elephants, which has caused great harm to their body and mind.
Domesticated elephants can be used to ride horses, and elephants rode by nobles are ornate and have a strong sense of ceremony. When Zheng He went to the Western Ocean, the king of Zhancheng rode an elephant to meet him. In the forests of South Asia and Southeast Asia, elephants are the best means of transportation.
People saw the great power of elephants and used them to work. Ancient elephants were used to cultivate the land. Until today, in some parts of Southeast Asia, Indian elephants are still an important labor force in logging industry.
In the era of cold weapons, war elephants are important arms. They not only have great destructive power, but also bring great panic to the enemy.
Elephants are also common gifts in countries where elephants are produced. The story of Cao Chong calling an elephant is well known. The elephant was given to Cao Cao by Sun Quan.
Indian elephants are also an important part of many festivals and ceremonies. At the Songkran Festival in Thailand, elephants will take to the streets to celebrate with people. Thailand has also designated 1 65438+1October1as the "Elephant Festival", on which there will be wonderful elephant performances, elephant games and elephant dinners.
Indian elephants have long been combined with religion. In countries and regions where elephants are produced, elephants are sacred in traditional culture. Ganesha, the elephant god, is the god of wisdom and obstacles in Hinduism and Indian mythology. He is the spiritual son of Shiva and parvati, the goddess of snow mountain. In Hinayana Buddhism, it is said that the Buddha's mother was pregnant with Sakyamuni because she dreamed of a white elephant.
According to the ancient feudal rulers of China, the elephant is a symbol of national stability and social stability. An elephant carries a treasure bottle on its back, and some bottles contain whole grains, which means peace and prosperity. Because "Xiang" and "Jing" are homophones; The word "bottle" in Aquarius is homophonic with the word "ping" in Taiping; In this way, "Elephant Aquarius" has become an auspicious pattern of "Peace Elephant".
Elephants with light gray skin and silvery luster are called white elephants (albinos). White elephants are very rare, so once they are found, they will be carefully captured, not only without labor, but also dressed as gorgeous jewels, raised by a large number of waiters and respected by people.
At present, Indian elephants are mainly used for viewing and entertainment. Elephants are one of the most popular animals in the zoo. The famous tourist attraction Wild Elephant Valley is undoubtedly the most attractive project.
Although the domesticated elephant is versatile, it still has a temper. If people treat it badly, or have a bad temper during estrus, it is likely to attack humans.