Deadly viruses threaten young elephants in the wild

Thiruvananthapuram: Recent research conducted by the Forest Department reveals a concerning trend. Deadly viruses are claiming the lives of young wild elephants. The study highlights the increasing mortality rate of elephant calves due to herpes viruses, a longstanding threat in elephant population.

The two viruses mentioned in the study are Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) and Elephantid Betaherpesvirus 1 (ELH,V-1). These viruses have been found to affect young elephants, with low immunity and genetic disorders, especially those under the age of eight. EEHV is often fatal for elephant calves.

According to the findings, 80 percent of elephants succumbing to viral infections are under eight years of age. This statistic is based on research conducted on wild as well as captive elephants.

Several factors contribute to this situation, including climate change, habitat loss, diminishing food sources, and human encroachment into elephant territories. These environmental changes have disrupted the natural habitat and lifestyle of elephants, making them more prone to viral infections. In response to these findings, the study recommends measures to enhance the immunity of elephant calves, thereby reducing infant mortality rates.

Over a seven-year period from 2015 to 2022, an estimated 678 wild elephants, including young ones, fell victim to these deadly viruses. Among these 275 were under the age of ten. 155 elephants between the ages of 10 and 20 also died.

Elephant death rate

Year	Number
2015	44
2016	58
2017	54
2018	93
2019	123
2020	106
2021	104
2022	96