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[March Theme Report] A Biography of an Engineer. |
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by Sanuli Weihena Gamage | 13-03-2023 02:07
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A BIOGRAPHY OF AN ENGINEER By Sanuli Gamage.
100 years ago, majestic elephants roamed the African continent in numbers exceeding 10 million, with over 100,000 elephants in Asia. Fast forward to today, and only approximately 450,000 elephants remain in the world. Shockingly, at the current rate of killing, the entire species could become extinct in a few years. Over 100 elephants are being killed every day, and this devastating loss of life is having a profound impact on the environment. Elephants are known as "engineers" because they play a vital role in supporting other animals and keeping ecosystems functioning. During dry seasons, elephants create new water sources by digging holes into the ground using their tusks. They also flatten shrubland to create savannahs, which increases visibility for predators, allowing them to hunt their prey effectively. Another important activity conducted by elephants is pollination through their dung. Seeds are dispersed when they travel vast distances, and these seeds are deposited after being fertilized through their dung. This is one of the most effective ways of seed dispersal in the wild. Therefore, the growth of diverse trees increases the levels of oxygen, and shelter is provided for many animals. Furthermore, seeds stuck in their dung are digested by baboons and dung beetles. In present times, human-elephant conflict can be widely found due to the gradual decrease in forests. With no place to stay and no food to eat, elephants enter areas with crops and raid them, causing significant economic losses for farmers, as well as many untimely deaths of both humans and elephants. A long-standing reason for the high death rate of elephants is their murder for ivory. Illegal trade of ivory still continues due to the high prices, which are approximately 3,300 USD per pound, with the highest demand from China. If the death rate of elephants continues to peak, the Earth would lose its keystone species and would not be able to function properly anymore. Therefore, we should all work towards decreasing the number of deaths by not destroying land and decreasing the demand for ivory. It's time to come together to protect these gentle giants and preserve our planet's biodiversity.
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Former E-gen Ambassador
Sanuli Weihena Gamage
Previous : March Thematic Report (Conclus...
4 Comments
Hello, Sanuli!
This is your mentor Yewon.
You have written an outstanding report! I was so impressed by your report because I have never thought of elephants living in nature. I think that's one of the pieces of evidence that humans are threatening animals' lives.
I agree with your opinion that 'It's time to come together to protect these gentle giants and preserve our planet's biodiversity'. I think we should find ways to preserve elephants and many other wildlife animals!
Thank you for your great report! I hope many people should read this:D
Posted 25-03-2023 04:41
Hello Sanuli! This is mentor James.
First of all, I love your majestic image of an elephant in your post! And I am shocked to know how many of those beautiful creatures have disappeared throughout the past century.
It is truly our responsibility for the elephant's hardships. Rapid development and urbanization of rural areas are threatening not only elephants, but the whole local biosystem. Also, high demand for their body parts result in this sad reality. Thus it is crucial to raise awareness about this problem.
Thank you for sharing this report. I am looking forward to read more of this.
Posted 24-03-2023 14:25
Dear Prince Menelik,
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful response to my article on the conflicts between humans and elephants. I completely agree with your recommendations for reducing poaching, protecting forests, and preserving elephant corridors. I appreciate your insights and support for elephant conservation efforts. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures for future generations.
Best regards,
Sanuli Gamage.
Posted 18-03-2023 18:06
Hello Sanuli
Your article really impressed me. The conflicts between man and elephant are real and have many consequences on our life and behaviour.
If we reduce poaching, the rate of forest loss and land use changes, if we combine urban expansion with the preservation of elephant corridors, the impact on all wildlife will be staggering.
To this end, I recommend promoting awareness, anti-poaching, forest restoration and corridor preservation. This will benefit all species, including his majesty the elephant.
Best regards
Prince Menelik
Posted 14-03-2023 05:17