Facing human-elephant conflicts, Thailand adopts an unprecedented solution

Thailand has administered a contraceptive vaccine to wild elephants for the first time to control their rapidly growing population.

Authorities hope to reduce deadly conflicts between humans and elephants, as the population of these protected mammals is rapidly increasing in several provinces in the east of the country.

A first in Thailand to regulate the population of wild elephants

Herd of wild elephants in Thailand. Photo: ASEAN Now

Sukhee Boonsang, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, which falls under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), said:

« Wildlife authorities and a veterinary team administered these injections to three female elephants in Trat province on Monday (January 26, 2026). »

The goal was to manage the population of wild elephants, he told AFP, adding that the birth rate of these mammals in five provinces in eastern Thailand was increasing by about 8% per year, compared to 3% in other regions.

“If we allow this situation to continue, it will lead to more conflicts between humans and elephants in the long run,” said Mr. Sukhee.

Veterinarians and officials administered the vaccines using a dart gun without anesthesia, the conservation office said in a statement.

The increase in the number of elephants exacerbates conflicts with humans

Wild elephants in Kui Buri National Park.

The number of wild elephants in Thailand has risen from 334 in 2015 to nearly 800 last year, not counting the thousands of others in captivity.

Conflicts between humans and elephants have caused nearly 200 human deaths and over 100 elephant deaths since 2012, the office said.

See: Rise in elephant attacks: Thailand turns to contraception

Asian elephants, Thailand's national animal, are classified as an endangered species globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

A vaccine tested and monitored long-term

The contraceptive vaccine for elephants SpayVac®.

Mr. Sukhee stated that the three elephants had been examined for any signs of infection, that they were doing well and were 'leading normal lives', adding that his team would perform blood tests every six months.

The vaccine was tested on seven captive elephants in the north of Chiang Mai two years ago, without any side effects, he said.

Fifteen additional doses will be used on elephants from other herds in Thailand before the start of the rainy season in May, said Mr. Sukhee.

A SpayVac injection administered to a female elephant has a contraceptive effect that lasts seven years.

The injections, which do not alter the behavior or physical characteristics of the elephants, only regulate their hormone levels to prevent them from conceiving.

Wildlife officials are seeking to reduce high birth rates and decrease the risk of conflicts between humans and elephants.

A measure that sparks debate

A herd of wild elephants is feeding in the Ban Wang Din So area, in the Wang Takhian sub-district of Prachin Buri province, on December 4, 2024.

If Thai authorities present contraception as an innovative solution to curb the overpopulation of wild elephants and reduce conflicts with local populations, the use of a contraceptive vaccine is a matter of debate.

NGOs, academics and representatives of local communities believe that this approach does not address the root causes of the problem, including the loss of natural habitats and forest fragmentation.

See: Conflicts between humans and elephants in Thailand are due to habitat loss

Some are also concerned about long-term scientific uncertainties, the ethics of hormonal intervention on an emblematic and protected species, as well as the actual effectiveness of the method in a completely wild environment.

See: Thailand: the project to use a contraceptive vaccine on elephants is a matter of debate

See also:

Alarming rise in elephant attacks in Thailand

Thailand: a wild elephant kills a tourist in a national park

2023 has been a bloody year between humans and elephants in Thailand

Source: Bangkok Post