Fifteen elephants drew global attention last year as they embarked on an extraordinary migration across Yunnan province in southern China. Their 1,400-kilometer journey stretched over 124 days and captivated both national and international media and countless social media users before they finally returned to their native habitats.
At a press briefing held on Monday, officials from the State Administration of Forestry and Grasslands of China described how the herd found its way back to Xishuangbanna, a region in the northern part of Yunnan known for its lush tropical forests and seasonal monsoons. The gathering showcased a photograph captured by local field workers, highlighting four elephants in a resting moment along the route. Reports from Efe noted that two of the elephants were calves born amid the northernward migration, signaling a surprising and hopeful development in the herd’s dynamics.
Li Chunliang, who serves as a deputy director within the agency, commented on the calves’ growth, noting they weighed about 100 kilograms at birth and have since reached roughly 300 kilograms. His remarks were echoed by coverage in the Global Times, which helped paint a fuller picture of the herd’s health and vitality as they reestablished their place in the Yunnan landscape.
Image caption: A herd pauses during its long journey, offering a rare glimpse into the daily life of these remarkable animals as they move through varied terrain.
The elephants began their march in March 2021, choosing a path that headed far north of their customary range. Experts described the movement as an extraordinary event in wildlife history, given the distance covered and the speed of change in their typical routes. In response to the migration, state authorities coordinated a large-scale safety operation to protect both residents and animals. Evacuation plans were put in place to safeguard about 150,000 people while ensuring more than 180 tons of food could be distributed to communities along the path of travel, thereby reducing potential human-wildlife conflicts.
End of the ‘long walk’ of pachyderms
Throughout the extended journey, the elephant herd affected a number of regional dynamics. There were occasional disruptions to infrastructure as the animals navigated through populated areas, prompting adjustments in transportation management and public safety measures. The episode underscored the challenges and responsibilities involved in maintaining coexistence between wildlife corridors and growing human settlements.
Yunnan’s wild Asian elephant population, which benefits from the highest level of state protection in China, currently numbers about 300 individuals. This figure reflects a gradual recovery compared to decades past, when numbers were significantly lower. With climate, habitat loss, and agricultural expansion shaping the region, conservationists emphasize the importance of maintaining protected habitats to ensure long-term survival for these elephants and other key species.
Over recent years, the availability of suitable habitat for China’s native elephants has become a central concern. The spread of croplands, fruit groves, and crops such as bananas and tea leaves has altered the landscape in ways that influence elephant movement. The interplay between ecological preservation and agricultural needs remains a delicate balance, guiding policy decisions and local conservation efforts in Yunnan and surrounding provinces.