Fatal Brush In Jungle

Human interactions with wildlife can have serious consequences, according to a new study from the University of California, San Diego. Scientists warn that feeding wild animals, especially large ones like Asian elephants, is causing dangerous changes in their behaviour, threatening both people and the animals themselves.

Researchers studying the endangered Asian elephant species have noted that the shrinking of their natural habitat is forcing the animals into conflict with humans. The study focuses on the effects of feeding wild animals, which makes them bolder and more dependent on humans. The scientists emphasised that such actions can be dangerous not only in regions where elephants live, but in any place where people come into contact with wildlife.

Asian elephants, one of the main natural attractions of Sri Lanka and India, have become the subject of long-term observation. In the Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka, the behaviour of elephants that gather at the park's borders near tourist routes has been studied for 18 years. It was found that the animals have learned to beg for food from tourists, having become accustomed to sweets and other delicacies.

As a result, some elephants began to break fences to get food, which led to tragic consequences: several people were killed or injured, and at least three elephants were killed. In addition, the animals often ingested plastic bags and other garbage left by people, which also harmed their health. The researchers noted that close contact between people and elephants increases the risk of disease transmission. Elsewhere, in Cigure, India, the behaviour of 11 male Asian elephants foraging near human settlements was analysed. Four of them were presumed to have died due to human actions, while one managed to return to a natural lifestyle after rehabilitation.

The researchers pointed out that many tourists, especially foreign ones, mistakenly believe that Asian elephants are safe and tame, like pets. This encourages people to approach them too closely to take photos, which can lead to tragedies for both humans and animals. In Udawalawe National Park, it was estimated that between 9 and 15 per cent of the local elephants, or 66 males out of a population of 800 to 1,200, regularly beg for food from tourists. Some, such as a male named Rambo, have even become local celebrities for their behaviour.

The scientists stressed that habituating animals to human food can make them aggressive, which can lead to injury and death for both humans and the animals themselves. In addition, such actions negate any potential benefits from such interactions. The researchers also noted that feeding cannot be a sustainable practice and requires strict regulation, so they strongly recommend a complete ban on such actions.

The study's authors acknowledged that most people who feed wildlife have good intentions, wanting to help or simply enjoy being in nature. However, they warned that such actions attract animals to dangerous areas, where the risk of conflicts and disease transmission increases. Moreover, young animals accustomed to handouts may lose the ability to forage for food on their own, making them dependent on humans. The scientists also pointed out that such behaviour can change the animals' migration routes and make them forget about natural food sources.

In conclusion, the researchers called for responsible tourism, noting that in most cases, people should avoid any attempts to feed wild animals in order to preserve their natural behaviour and protect both nature and themselves.

-Pravda.ru