Bangkok: Testing of a contraceptive vaccine for wild elephants has begun in the eastern forest region, marking the first time such a test has been conducted in Thailand. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has initiated this trial, aiming to reduce human-elephant conflict and create a sustainable balance between elephant populations and the carrying capacity of forest areas.
According to Thai News Agency, the department, through the Wildlife Conservation Office, in collaboration with Chiang Mai University, has implemented contraception vaccinations in wild elephants. This marks the first time this has been done in Thailand and aims to create a balance in the coexistence of humans and elephants. Mr. Sukhee Boonkrang, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, revealed that the wild elephant population in the eastern forest areas has increased rapidly from 334 in 2015 to 799 in 2025, an 8.2% annual increase. This population surge has led to elephants foraging in community areas due to insufficient forest space and food resources, resulting in human casualties and agricultural damage.
The contraceptive vaccine is not a form of sterilization or surgery and does not harm elephants. It works by creating an immune response in female elephants, preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg for up to seven years. The vaccine has been tested on seven African and domesticated Thai elephants with no side effects, and it does not affect pregnant or lactating elephants.
A team of veterinarians and staff vaccinated three adult female wild elephants in Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park using air guns to administer the vaccines without anesthesia. This ensured maximum safety for both the elephants and the staff and allowed the elephants to remain with their herd. The team will continue to monitor the elephants' condition and plans to collect samples to check immunity levels every 6-8 months for seven years.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation emphasizes that the key to protecting elephants is creating a sustainable balance. The project aims to prevent elephants from facing resource shortages and reduce the risk of conflicts with local communities. By controlling the elephant population through safe vaccinations, the initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for elephants and ensure their coexistence with humans.