According to Dak Lak’s Elephant Conservation Centre, the number of wild elephants has dramatically declined over the past three decades, from more than 2,000 in 1980 to approximately 60-65 today, mostly living in Buon Don and Ea Sup forests.

Since 2009, 17 elephants have died because their habitats were destroyed for timber exploitation or agricultural cultivation purposes. Five elephants were reported to have been killed by hunters for their ivory tusks.

Both domestic and international experts have raised concerns that the last surviving elephants may soon disappear in the Central Highland and called for urgent protection by improving their natural surroundings.

Some photos of wild elephants in Dak Lak: