How humans are affecting the loss of these precious creatures
One of the main reasons for the Sumatran elephants finding themselves on the critically endangered list is due to human actions that is destroying the habitat of this species. In Sumatra, more than two thirds of their beautiful and biologically diverse forests are being ruined due to deforestation throughout the past twenty five years. The reason for these actions is primarily due to these forests being of use for timber, pulp and paper. Another reason is by clearing the forest and providing space for agricultural land which will be used for the plantation of palm oil.
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Because of this, elephants sometimes venture into populated areas searching for food. They destroy crops or attack humans, making them unpopular with villagers and are then shot or poisoned with cyanide-laced fruit. While many people in the West regard elephants with affection and admiration, the animals often inspire fear and anger in those who share their land. Consequences also arise for local farmers who are often desperately poor and already economically and nutritionally vulnerable. They are forced by circumstances to invade into elephant habitat and can lose their entire livelihood overnight from an elephant raid. Therefore, due to elephants losing their homes, they find themselves near villages and often disturb and pose as a threat to the villagers which unfortunately leaves the villagers with no other option but to kill these endangered animals.
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The second reason for these elephants being prone to extinction is due to hunters illegally poaching these elephants and killing them for their ivory tusks. These tusks are used for jewelry and in traditional Chinese medicine. |