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What happened
In a significant conservation effort, Bangladesh is set to rehabilitate 96 captive elephants into the wild, responding to their critically endangered status as declared by the IUCN. The project, which spans three years, will begin with a survey to assess the current population of elephants, both captive and wild. The government plans to withdraw these elephants from their owners, who have historically used them for labor and entertainment. The initiative aims to provide a safe environment for the elephants, with initial plans to house them in designated forest areas. Experts will be involved to ensure the success of this unprecedented project, which seeks to end the captivity of elephants in Bangladesh and promote their natural behaviors.
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Key insights
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Critically Endangered Status
Asian elephants in Bangladesh are critically endangered, with only 268 remaining in the wild.
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2
Historical Context
The captivity of elephants in Bangladesh dates back to the 18th century during British colonial rule.
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3
Project Funding
The rehabilitation project is funded with 400 million taka ($3.3 million) for surveys and stakeholder consultations.
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Expert Involvement
Experts will guide the rehabilitation process, learning from global initiatives like Sri Lanka's elephant orphanage.
Takeaways
The rehabilitation of captive elephants in Bangladesh marks a pivotal step in conservation efforts, aiming to restore the natural behaviors of these critically endangered animals and halt the trend of captivity.