Bangkok: For the first time in Thailand, wild elephants are being vaccinated with birth control measures in a groundbreaking initiative by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. This innovative approach aims to address the escalating conflict between humans and elephants by controlling the burgeoning elephant population in the country's protected forest areas.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, in collaboration with Chiang Mai University, commenced this historic wildlife management operation on January 25, 2026, in Bo Rai District, Trat Province. The initiative addresses a critical need as the wild elephant population has grown from 334 in 2015 to 799 in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 8.2%.
As elephants increasingly encroach upon human settlements due to limited forest resources, this has resulted in significant human-wildlife conflict, leading to numerous deaths and injuries, along with damage to agricultural areas. The contraceptive vaccine serves as a humane solution to this issue, creating immunity in female elephants to prevent pregnancies temporarily. The vaccine's effects last for seven years, after which elephants can conceive normally again if not re-vaccinated.
The vaccination operation, conducted at Khlong Kaeo Waterfall National Park, was carried out at night to ensure the safety and tranquility of the process. The veterinary team used air guns to administer the vaccine, avoiding the risks associated with sedation. Initially, three adult female elephants were vaccinated, and the team plans to monitor them closely over the coming years to evaluate the program's success.
Mr. Sukhi Boonruang, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, emphasized that the goal is to achieve a sustainable balance between elephants and humans. By ensuring elephants have adequate resources within their natural habitat, the project aims to reduce risks and create a harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife. This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to conservation, ensuring both species can thrive together on our shared planet.