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Thailand Vaccinates Elephants to End Human Conflict
13 Feb
Summary
- Thailand is using a birth control vaccine on wild elephants.
- The vaccine aims to reduce deadly human-elephant conflicts.
- A new vaccine prevents pregnancy for seven years.
Thailand is now deploying a birth control vaccine for wild elephants as a strategy to manage increasing human-animal conflict. This program addresses the issue of elephants being forced into populated areas due to habitat loss. The vaccine, developed in the U.S., has shown promising results in trials.
Administered to three wild elephants in January 2026, the vaccine prevents pregnancy for seven years. This intervention targets areas with a high birth rate of wild elephants and significant human-elephant confrontations. Officials aim to manage the rising number of elephants near residential zones.
In addition to vaccinations, Thailand is implementing other measures like creating new food and water sources in forests and building protective fences. Rangers are also guiding stray elephants back to the wild. However, a recent relocation operation in Khon Kaen province resulted in an elephant's death, sparking public concern and an ongoing investigation.
