Latest news with #AsianElephant
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
China is building the world's largest national parks system
China plans to overtake the United States by building the world's largest national park system, a network of wilderness bigger than Texas. Although China only created its first national park four years ago—some 149 years after the US did the same—it claims that by 2035 it will have 49 parks covering 272 million acres, triple the size of the U.S. National Park System. China has already opened five national parks, totaling 57 million acres. Collectively, the parks span alpine peaks, tropical rainforests, remote glaciers, vast deserts, and high-altitude wetlands. They also protect rare animals like the Giant Panda, Siberian Tiger, and Asian Elephant. According to the Chinese Government, these parks are also preserving cultural heritage, boosting local economies, and enticing tourists to experience the country's diverse landscapes. While domestic tourists flock to China's wilderness destinations, few foreigners follow suit, says Jun Wen, associate professor of tourism at Macau University of Science and Technology. Instead, most international visitors focus on China's giant, historic cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. However, Wen believes that will change as China expands its park system; the country will become world-renowned for nature-based tourism. (Our ancestors walked these trails hundreds of years ago. Now you can too.) China's national park system will eclipse the US version, says Mei Zhang, CEO of Wild China, one of the country's biggest tour companies. Being launched so recently gives it the advantage of learning from the mistakes of other park systems. 'While the United States pioneered the Yellowstone model—preserving vast wilderness areas—it also made significant missteps,' Zhang says. 'Such as enclosing land and forcefully displacing Indigenous communities to create an image of 'pristine' wilderness. In contrast, China has the chance to chart its own course. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between local communities and wildlife conservation, China can create a national park system that integrates cultural vitality with ecological stewardship.' That is a lofty goal, but then again, so is building the world's biggest national park system, from scratch in 14 years. China has a history of record-breaking mega-projects, from the world's largest dam to the planet's longest bridge, and an unrivalled high-speed rail network. Now China is channeling its vast wealth, ambition, and capability into protecting and showcasing its extraordinary, yet overlooked natural scenery. Here's a look at five national parks in China worth visiting now. Wen recommends visiting Giant Panda National Park, which covers 6.6 million acres of mountainous land in Central China's Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu Provinces. It protects the habitats of most of the country's 1,900 wild Giant Pandas; a species found only in China. The best time to see this park is between April and October when the weather is warmest, vegetation is thickest, and Giant Pandas are most active. All year round, parkgoers can see pandas and learn about these unique creatures at the park's panda research centers at Wolong and Dujiangyan. 'Visitors have the opportunity to explore panda habitats on foot and even volunteer to assist panda caretakers,' Wen says. 'They can observe the daily activities of pandas, including climbing trees, playing, eating, and tumbling.' Good to know: Giant Panda National Park can be reached by flying into Chengdu and then heading two hours north by bus. The park is quite isolated; so, it is most easily explored on a guided tour booked with a Chinese tour company. In addition to Giant Pandas, China's national parks aim to save rare animal species from extinction. Zhou says the endangered Amur leopards and Amur tigers are now protected in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park. Located in northeast China, this national park covers 3.5 million acres along the borders with Russia and North Korea, and it eclipses the size of any national park in the lower 48 States of the U.S. 'Through removing fencing in forest zones, reconnecting fragmented habitats, and implementing ecological translocation, the park has restored essential migration and reproduction corridors for these species,' Zhou says. Good to know: Visitors can observe some of these scientific projects up close by booking guided tours of this national park with Chinese tour operators like Benchmark. The isolated park can be reached by flying from Beijing or Shanghai into Yanji, followed by a three-to-four-hour bus ride. (China just had a museum building spree. Here are 6 of the best.) In northwest China's Qinghai Province, Sanjiangyuan National Park is 47 million acres and larger than Florida, making it China's largest park. The editor of Travel China Guide tour company, Catherine He says Sanjiangyuan is very diverse geographically. Dramatic mountains loom above glaciers, high-altitude wetlands, grassland meadows, desert plateaus, and mirrored lakes. Sanjiangyuan is called 'China's Water Tower' because it is the source region of the Yangtze, Mekong, and Yellow rivers, says He. While exploring its pristine wilderness, visitors may spot unique snow leopards and Tibetan antelopes. According to the Chinese Government, this new park is why the antelope's population has soared to 70,000. Good to know: Enter this vast park by flying into Xining or Golmud from big Chinese cities Xi'an, Shanghai, or Chengdu, and then take a relatively short bus or taxi ride. By visiting during the warmer months from May to September, visitors can hike its many trails in comfort, witness the park's grasslands in bloom, and increase their chances of seeing wildlife. The new Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is also impressive, according to Aliana Leong, Hospitality Professor from Macau University of Science and Technology. It envelops 1 million acres of Hainan, China's southernmost province. Sometimes called the 'Hawaii of China', Hainan is a picturesque island fringed by pretty beaches and with a hilly, verdant interior. 'This new national park has China's most diverse, best preserved, and largest contiguous area of tropical rainforest,' Leong says. Within its lush expanse lives 33 percent of China's reptile species, 38 percent of its bird species, 20 percent of its mammal species, and more than 3,500 plant species. Leong adds, 'It is the only habitat for the Hainan gibbon and a treasure trove of tropical biodiversity.' Good to know: This park is quickly reached by bus or taxi from either of Hainan's two international airports. Embrace its untamed vibe by joining a whitewater rafting tour through the commanding Wuzhishan Grand Canyon. (China's other great wall is impressive, too—and steeped in history.) If you're on social media, then you may have seen eye-catching images and videos of Wuyi Mountain National Park. Covering 316,000 acres of mountainous terrain in Fujian and Jiangxi Provinces, it is known for its unusual Danxia landscapes, where red stone cliffs, gorges, and peaks contrast sharply against dense, green forests. This park encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Wuyi, one of China's prettiest and most revered mountains, says Catherine He. Good to know: Visitors can follow spectacular hiking trails, go bamboo rafting on Jiuqu Stream, wander splendid tea tree groves, or admire historic mountainside temples and monasteries, she recommends. China already has thousands of protected nature reserves, says Ralf Buckley, emeritus professor of ecotourism at Australia's Griffith University. However, unlike most of the world's top national parks, those reserves don't qualify as national parks under the stringent system of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). So China designed its new national parks to meet the IUCN criteria by making them 'mainly for conservation, with limited tourism under strict regulation, and no residential housing'. China's national park system is already improving wildlife preservation, says Bin Zhou, a tourism professor at China's Ningbo University. 'China is among the most biodiverse countries in the world, while also facing significant threats to its ecosystems,' Zhou says. 'The (park system) enables the designation of high-level protection zones in key ecological function areas, critical habitats, and ecological security barriers. Ensuring the long-term survival of flagship species such as the giant panda, Amur tiger and leopard, and Asian elephant, along with their habitats.' The new parks have helped increase China's populations of 200 species of rare animals and about 100 endangered plant species, announced in May 2025. (21 photos of China's best UNESCO World Heritage sites.) China's national park system is also motivated by cultural heritage preservation, economic development, and public education, says Aliana Leong, a tourism professor at Macau University of Science and Technology. 'Many of China's national parks are rich in cultural and historical significance, so expanding the national park system helps protect ancient villages, traditional cultures, and historical sites,' she says. 'National parks also drive local economic growth through tourism. They create job opportunities, increase revenue, and promote sustainable development in rural and remote areas. (Finally) they serve as outdoor classrooms, raising public awareness of environmental protection and cultural heritage.' Andrew Nelson is the author of National Geographic's recently published travel book Here Not There. Follow him on Instagram.
National Geographic
13-06-2025
- Business
- National Geographic
China is building the world's largest national parks system
China plans to overtake the United States by building the world's largest national park system, a network of wilderness bigger than Texas. Although China only created its first national park four years ago—some 149 years after the US did the same—it claims that by 2035 it will have 49 parks covering 272 million acres, triple the size of the U.S. National Park System. China has already opened five national parks, totaling 57 million acres. Collectively, the parks span alpine peaks, tropical rainforests, remote glaciers, vast deserts, and high-altitude wetlands. They also protect rare animals like the Giant Panda, Siberian Tiger, and Asian Elephant. According to the Chinese Government, these parks are also preserving cultural heritage, boosting local economies, and enticing tourists to experience the country's diverse landscapes. While domestic tourists flock to China's wilderness destinations, few foreigners follow suit, says Jun Wen, associate professor of tourism at Macau University of Science and Technology. Instead, most international visitors focus on China's giant, historic cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. However, Wen believes that will change as China expands its park system; the country will become world-renowned for nature-based tourism. (Our ancestors walked these trails hundreds of years ago. Now you can too.) China aims to upstage the U.S. China's national park system will eclipse the US version, says Mei Zhang, CEO of Wild China, one of the country's biggest tour companies. Being launched so recently gives it the advantage of learning from the mistakes of other park systems. 'While the United States pioneered the Yellowstone model—preserving vast wilderness areas—it also made significant missteps,' Zhang says. 'Such as enclosing land and forcefully displacing Indigenous communities to create an image of 'pristine' wilderness. In contrast, China has the chance to chart its own course. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between local communities and wildlife conservation, China can create a national park system that integrates cultural vitality with ecological stewardship.' That is a lofty goal, but then again, so is building the world's biggest national park system, from scratch in 14 years. China has a history of record-breaking mega-projects, from the world's largest dam to the planet's longest bridge, and an unrivalled high-speed rail network. Now China is channeling its vast wealth, ambition, and capability into protecting and showcasing its extraordinary, yet overlooked natural scenery. Here's a look at five national parks in China worth visiting now. 5 must-see national parks in China 1. Giant Panda National Park: China's iconic Giant Panda has a park Kindergarten children visit a Giant Panda cub at the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Photograph by Ami Vitale, Nat Geo Image Collection Wen recommends visiting Giant Panda National Park, which covers 6.6 million acres of mountainous land in Central China's Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu Provinces. It protects the habitats of most of the country's 1,900 wild Giant Pandas; a species found only in China. The best time to see this park is between April and October when the weather is warmest, vegetation is thickest, and Giant Pandas are most active. All year round, parkgoers can see pandas and learn about these unique creatures at the park's panda research centers at Wolong and Dujiangyan. 'Visitors have the opportunity to explore panda habitats on foot and even volunteer to assist panda caretakers,' Wen says. 'They can observe the daily activities of pandas, including climbing trees, playing, eating, and tumbling.' Good to know: Giant Panda National Park can be reached by flying into Chengdu and then heading two hours north by bus. The park is quite isolated; so, it is most easily explored on a guided tour booked with a Chinese tour company. 2. Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park: Saving big cats from extinction In addition to Giant Pandas, China's national parks aim to save rare animal species from extinction. Zhou says the endangered Amur leopards and Amur tigers are now protected in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park. Located in northeast China, this national park covers 3.5 million acres along the borders with Russia and North Korea, and it eclipses the size of any national park in the lower 48 States of the U.S. 'Through removing fencing in forest zones, reconnecting fragmented habitats, and implementing ecological translocation, the park has restored essential migration and reproduction corridors for these species,' Zhou says. Good to know: Visitors can observe some of these scientific projects up close by booking guided tours of this national park with Chinese tour operators like Benchmark. The isolated park can be reached by flying from Beijing or Shanghai into Yanji, followed by a three-to-four-hour bus ride. (China just had a museum building spree. Here are 6 of the best.) 3. Sanjiangyuan National Park: A national park bigger than Florida In northwest China's Qinghai Province, Sanjiangyuan National Park is 47 million acres and larger than Florida, making it China's largest park. The editor of Travel China Guide tour company, Catherine He says Sanjiangyuan is very diverse geographically. Dramatic mountains loom above glaciers, high-altitude wetlands, grassland meadows, desert plateaus, and mirrored lakes. Sanjiangyuan is called 'China's Water Tower' because it is the source region of the Yangtze, Mekong, and Yellow rivers, says He. While exploring its pristine wilderness, visitors may spot unique snow leopards and Tibetan antelopes. According to the Chinese Government, this new park is why the antelope's population has soared to 70,000. Good to know: Enter this vast park by flying into Xining or Golmud from big Chinese cities Xi'an, Shanghai, or Chengdu, and then take a relatively short bus or taxi ride. By visiting during the warmer months from May to September, visitors can hike its many trails in comfort, witness the park's grasslands in bloom, and increase their chances of seeing wildlife. 4. Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park: China's version of Hawaii The Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone is known for its lush rainforest, waterfalls, and cultural experiences. It is part of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park on Hainan Island, China. Photograph by Dmitrii Melnikov, Alamy The new Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is also impressive, according to Aliana Leong, Hospitality Professor from Macau University of Science and Technology. It envelops 1 million acres of Hainan, China's southernmost province. Sometimes called the 'Hawaii of China', Hainan is a picturesque island fringed by pretty beaches and with a hilly, verdant interior. Forest rangers patrol the Bawangling area of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park in south China's Hainan Province. Photograph by Zhang Liyun, Xinhua/Alamy 'This new national park has China's most diverse, best preserved, and largest contiguous area of tropical rainforest,' Leong says. Within its lush expanse lives 33 percent of China's reptile species, 38 percent of its bird species, 20 percent of its mammal species, and more than 3,500 plant species. Leong adds, 'It is the only habitat for the Hainan gibbon and a treasure trove of tropical biodiversity.' Good to know: This park is quickly reached by bus or taxi from either of Hainan's two international airports. Embrace its untamed vibe by joining a whitewater rafting tour through the commanding Wuzhishan Grand Canyon. (China's other great wall is impressive, too—and steeped in history.) 5. Wuyi Mountain National Park: Insta-worthy landscapes Researchers walk through Zhongshan meadow in Wuyishan National Park, southeast China's Fujian Province. Wuyi Mountain has a comprehensive forest ecosystem representative of the mid-subtropical zone. It boasts diverse groups of plants due to its varying altitudes. Photograph by Jiang Kehong, Xinhua/Alamy If you're on social media, then you may have seen eye-catching images and videos of Wuyi Mountain National Park. Covering 316,000 acres of mountainous terrain in Fujian and Jiangxi Provinces, it is known for its unusual Danxia landscapes, where red stone cliffs, gorges, and peaks contrast sharply against dense, green forests. This park encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Wuyi, one of China's prettiest and most revered mountains, says Catherine He. Good to know: Visitors can follow spectacular hiking trails, go bamboo rafting on Jiuqu Stream, wander splendid tea tree groves, or admire historic mountainside temples and monasteries, she recommends. China's new environmental focus China already has thousands of protected nature reserves, says Ralf Buckley, emeritus professor of ecotourism at Australia's Griffith University. However, unlike most of the world's top national parks, those reserves don't qualify as national parks under the stringent system of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). So China designed its new national parks to meet the IUCN criteria by making them 'mainly for conservation, with limited tourism under strict regulation, and no residential housing'. China's national park system is already improving wildlife preservation, says Bin Zhou, a tourism professor at China's Ningbo University. 'China is among the most biodiverse countries in the world, while also facing significant threats to its ecosystems,' Zhou says. Wearing a panda suit as camouflage, a panda keeper does a health check on a panda cub in Wolong, home to the Wolong National Nature Reserve and part of the Giant Panda National Park in China. Photograph by Ami Vitale, Nat Geo Image Collection 'The (park system) enables the designation of high-level protection zones in key ecological function areas, critical habitats, and ecological security barriers. Ensuring the long-term survival of flagship species such as the giant panda, Amur tiger and leopard, and Asian elephant, along with their habitats.' The new parks have helped increase China's populations of 200 species of rare animals and about 100 endangered plant species, announced in May 2025. (21 photos of China's best UNESCO World Heritage sites.) Cultural and social benefits of national parks China's national park system is also motivated by cultural heritage preservation, economic development, and public education, says Aliana Leong, a tourism professor at Macau University of Science and Technology. 'Many of China's national parks are rich in cultural and historical significance, so expanding the national park system helps protect ancient villages, traditional cultures, and historical sites,' she says. 'National parks also drive local economic growth through tourism. They create job opportunities, increase revenue, and promote sustainable development in rural and remote areas. (Finally) they serve as outdoor classrooms, raising public awareness of environmental protection and cultural heritage.' Andrew Nelson is the author of National Geographic's recently published travel book Here Not There. Follow him on Instagram.
NDTV
02-06-2025
- NDTV
Why Kaziranga National Park In Assam Saw A Record Number Of Tourists This Year
Once a quiet sanctuary nestled on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra, Kaziranga National Park in Assam is now roaring with activity - both literally and metaphorically. With 443,636 visitors recorded from October 1, 2024, to 2025, marking a whopping 35 percent increase from last year, Kaziranga has officially become the third most visited national park in India, after Ranthambore in Rajasthan and Periyar in Kerala. But this remarkable rise isn't by chance or social media alone. A perfect mix of conservation success, infrastructure upgrades, and high-profile buzz has transformed this wildlife haven into a tourism powerhouse. A Fourfold Leap In A Decade To put this into perspective, these latest numbers mark a fourfold increase in footfall over the past ten years. Once hidden under the wraps of the Northeast's remoteness, Kaziranga is now dominating headlines and trending across travel blogs, Instagram reels, and tourism reports alike. It was also mentioned in The New York Times as a must-visit place in 2025. Moshmi Kaul, Founder and Chief Travel Evangelist at Travel Stuti, says, "There has been a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting Kaziranga National Park in recent years. Comparing the figures from 2024-2025 to 2023-2024, we can see a 35 per cent rise in tourist numbers." So, what exactly is drawing travellers, photographers, influencers, nature lovers, and families to this once offbeat wildlife park? NDTV spoke to six travel experts to understand this phenomenon. 1. Wildlife Conservation Success: A Haven For Rhinos The top reason without a doubt is Kaziranga's exceptional record in wildlife conservation. It is home to about one-third of the world's population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros - a figure that gives it unrivalled global significance. Conservation here is not just a brochure claim; it's effort on the ground. From intense anti-poaching patrols equipped with drones and camera traps to regulated traffic within the park and safe wildlife corridors, the park ensures minimal human-animal conflict and maximum protection. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaziranga National Park (@kaziranganationalpark) "Kaziranga's record-breaking tourist numbers this year are not by chance; they're the result of a well-planned convergence of government focus, enhanced wildlife experiences, and smarter infrastructure," says Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), India. Along with rhinos, the park also boasts sightings of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, the majestic Asian Elephant, wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, and, on rare lucky days, even the golden tiger or hoolock gibbon and more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaziranga Safari Booking wild Adventure kaziranga (@kaziranga_nationl_park_safari) 2. Beyond The Jeep Indian tourists today want more than just a jeep safari - they crave immersive experiences. Kaziranga has responded with a variety of nature-inspired activities: Birdwatching in marshy wetlands rich with storks, hornbills and rare cranes Guided treks through the dense Sal and grass forests Boat safaris on the mighty Brahmaputra with views of river dolphins gliding alongside Cycling tracks flanked by silk cotton trees in full bloom during spring Elephant safaris offering close-up views of the park's wild flora and fauna According to Moshmi, "These additional activities attract a broader range of tourists seeking varied experiences." This expansion of offerings has made Kaziranga more than just a wildlife destination, it's now a full-fledged eco-adventure escape. 3. Improved Infrastructure And Connectivity Another major draw has been the upgraded access. Reaching Kaziranga used to mean a bumpy drive and limited choices. Not anymore. Thanks to road improvements and air connectivity to Guwahati from metros like Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru, reaching Kaziranga is now smoother and quicker. Within the park, eco-friendly accommodations, clean visitor centres, electric vehicles, and rest areas elevate the experience without harming the environment. "Improved infrastructure like good quality eco friendly and luxury hotels and resorts have come up," says Rajat Sawhney, Senior Vice President, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India. He adds, "Aggressive marketing by the Ministry of Tourism, DoNER and Assam Tourism to promote Kaziranga as a premier wildlife destination has attracted a lot of domestic and international tourists." Another bonus? Affordability. With decent stays starting from Rs 2,000 per night, Kaziranga offers a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive reserves like Ranthambore or Corbett. 4. High-Profile Visits And Social Media Magic Nothing works quite like a VIP endorsement; and over the last decade, Kaziranga has had several. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's overnight stay in 2024 and visits by Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2023 and other top officials grabbed headlines. This made the park famous not just in India but worldwide," highlights Shiva Kukreja, director, Rove Routes PVT LTD, a premier travel agency. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) It also includes drop-ins by Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra (for a campaign for Assam tourism titled 'Awesome Assam') and Dia Mirza and more that have drawn serious national attention. The buzz has translated into real-world interest, with travel influencers, vloggers and global media outlets now showcasing Kaziranga as a 'hidden gem', fuelling its transformation into a travel bucket list essential. 5. The Rise Of Offbeat Travel And Revenge Tourism After Covid, travel habits have changed. Tourists are steering clear of the usual crowded spots and instead seeking offbeat, nature-rich, wellness-inspired escapes. Kaziranga ticks all these boxes. Dinessh Kumar, secretary at Travel Agents Federation Of India explains that previously people had a notion about the Northeast that it is not a safe place to travel, which has changed now completely. "Several hotspots in the North like Manali, Kullu and Mussoorie, often receive sudden rainfall which cause severe traffic jams, and somehow tourists feel 'cheated' and robbed of their vacation. However, ever since the focus has shifted to the Northeast, a lot of people are visiting Kaziranga and other places in the Northeast, and skipping the famous destinations," says Dinnesh. Moreover, Assam's inclusion in The New York Times'" 52 Places to Visit in 2025" list, as well as its recognition as an offbeat destination, along with coverage in Lonely Planet, National Geographic, and Condé Nast Traveller, has firmly placed it on the international radar, making it an ecotourism hotspot. 6. The Eco Marketing The Assam government has been proactive in pushing Kaziranga into global conversations and making it an eco tourist spot. From the 12th International Tourism Mart held in 2024 in Kaziranga to smart campaigns around rhino conservation (including ones led by cricketer Rohit Sharma in 2019), the park's visibility has skyrocketed. Policies have also favoured ecotourism and sustainability, with a focus on green transportation, homestays, and cultural immersion. "Assam has made a conscious push for ecotourism - from launching electric vehicle safaris to developing homestays run by local communities that not only welcome tourists but also make them feel accountable," adds Jyoti. 7. The Local Economy Cycle With increased tourism has come increased opportunity. Villages surrounding the park now thrive on tourism - be it through guiding, running cafés, selling souvenirs, or offering homestays. This helps two things: first, it creates a sense of luxury and a feel-good factor for tourists visiting Kaziranga, which might convert them into repeat visitors. Another reason is that it pushes more hotels and properties to come in, to boost tourism. "On my last visit, I got to experience sustainable farming practices that enrich the local community," shares Amruda Nair, Founder and CEO, Araiya Hotels & Resorts, a hospitality brand that is also eyeing to expand their presence in Kaziranga. "Kaziranga is crucial for our hotel brand expansion due to its unique biodiversity and global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," adds Amruda. Kaziranga Is No Longer India's Best-Kept Wildlife Secret Kaziranga's stunning transformation proves that when conservation, community, and clever promotion come together, real change happens. The park has gone from being a niche northeastern wildlife reserve to a flagship of Indian ecotourism. Whether you're an avid wildlife photographer, a casual weekend explorer, or someone simply wanting to trade the city noise for the songs of hornbills and dolphins, Kaziranga promises something extraordinary, and not only Indians, but foreign tourists too are realising it now.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
King Charles and the Queen attend lavish soirée raising money for the conservation charity founded by her late brother Mark Shand
The King and Queen have attended a lavish 250-guest event raising funds for a conservation charity founded by Camilla's late brother Mark Shand. Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, stepped out at the Wonders of the Wild event hosted by the Elephant Family at The Temperate House in Kew Gardens on Tuesday evening. They joined a number of high profile guests, including Princess Beatrice, Lady Marina Windsor, Ed Westwick and Sophie Ellis-Bextor among others. Elephant Family was founded in 2002 by the duchess's beloved late brother, Mark Shand, who died in New York after an accidental fall in 2014, aged 62. The charity was founded to protect the endangered Asian Elephant. Since its inception, it has become known for using the power of art to inspire action for wildlife. Tonight's Wonders of the Wild event was the grand finale of the charity's Big Egg Hunt, delivered in partnership with Clarence Court. The campaign featured more than 120 giant egg sculptures designed by leading names from fashion, art and design. They were displayed across London as part of a free art trail in iconic locations including Buckingham Palace, Battersea Power Station, the Royal Albert Hall, Sloane Street and Canary Wharf. Charles and Camilla, who are joint presidents of Elephant Family, were greeted by the Lord-Lieutenant, Kew Gardens director Richard Deverell and the British Asian Trust's chair Lord Gadhia. On the schedule for the event were speeches from Lord Ghadia and Elephant Family CEO, Richard Hawkes. These are set to be followed by a short film about the charity's work, and the presentation of awards. The King is scheduled to present the Mark Shand Award, which is named after the organisation's founder Mark Shand and acknowledges those who embody his visionary spirit and dedication to protecting wildlife. Meanwhile, Her Majesty will present the Tara Award, named after an elephant, befriended by her brother. Inspired by the sacred bond between elephants and humans, the award recognises extraordinary achievements in storytelling and advocacy for coexistence. The Elephant Family works in partnership with conservation experts on the ground to tackle the challenges facing Asia 's wildlife and the communities that live alongside it. Elephant Family was founded by Mark Shand in 2002 to protect the endangered Asian Elephant. Since then, the charity has become renowned for using the power of art to inspire action for wildlife. Today it works with local partners in Asia to promote conservation and coexistence so that people and animals can safely share space. CEO Richard Hawkes said: 'Wonders of the Wild is a celebration of art and nature, which also serves to raise awareness and funds to support our critical conservation work. 'Elephant Family partners with local organisations in Asia to reduce human wildlife conflict, increase biodiversity and invest in research and education programmes. 'Our mission is to create environments where people and wildlife can thrive together. 'True to our founder, the guiding principle of Elephant Family has always been to raise awareness of wildlife conservation in the most joyful ways possible and tonight is testament to that.' The King and Queen have been joint Presidents of Elephant Family since 2014. His Majesty has been Patron of Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, since 2016.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Saving lives on the Gerik-Jeli Highway by putting wildlife first — Jayaraj Vijaya Kumaran
MAY 13 — On the early morning of May 11, 2025, Malaysians awoke to heartbreaking footage of an elephant calf lying motionless on the Gerik-Jeli Highway while its grieving mother attempted to rouse it. The calf, fatally struck by a poultry lorry at KM80 of the highway, was the latest in a disturbing trend of wildlife-vehicle collisions plaguing the Belum-Temengor landscape. This must be the wake-up call that finally drives urgent and lasting change. The statistics over the past five years speak for themselves. Between 2016 and 2021, over 2,500 animals were killed by vehicles on Malaysian roads, including at least 102 Malayan tapirs and six Malayan tigers in the last two years alone. The East-West Highway, which cuts through the heart of Belum-Temengor, has become a hotspot for these tragedies. In recent months, tiger and elephant fatalities have risen sharply, with multiple incidents along the same highway where this elephant calf perished. This is not just a loss of life, but a failure in policy. The Belum-Temengor forest complex is one of Southeast Asia's most critical biodiversity strongholds. It harbours the last remaining populations of endangered megafauna such as the Malayan tiger, Asian elephant, sun bear, and Malayan tapir, and is home to more than 3,000 species of plants. This large, forested landscape also forms a vital transboundary corridor with Thailand, enabling genetic exchange for wide-ranging species. While authorities have responded by installing signage and solar-powered lighting at some known elephant crossings, such interventions are insufficient. Fog, poor road lighting, and the nocturnal nature of many animals make visibility low. Worse, artificial lighting risks disturbing wildlife behaviour. Suggestions like building overpasses or underpasses may work in theory but are financially and topographically impractical in this mountainous terrain. The truth is simple: engineering alone cannot solve this crisis. The Belum-Temengor forest complex harbours the last remaining populations of endangered megafauna such as the Malayan tiger, Asian elephant, sun bear, and Malayan tapir — Picture from Unsplash/Jeffrey Hamilton We must change our behaviour. We propose an immediate night-time ban on heavy vehicles using the Gerik-Jeli Highway. Most collisions, including the latest fatal elephant incident, occur between midnight and 5am, when wildlife activity is high. Restricting truck movements during these hours would eliminate the deadliest risks. India's Bandipur Tiger Reserve implemented such a ban and saw an 80 per cent drop in wildlife deaths. Malaysia can follow suit. Further, road usage must be optimised. Poultry and construction transport can be rerouted via alternate logistics, especially with the East Coast Rail Link nearing completion. It is also high time that east coast states expanded their own poultry industry to meet local demands and reduce reliance on west coast supply. In the meantime, traffic scheduling, designated lay-bys, and convoy driving protocols could be introduced to reduce risk. For buses and public transport, speed limiters and trip quotas should be enforced to ensure safety. Enforcement can be supported by gantry-based vehicle monitoring and automatic speed detection. Technology can help. Drones equipped with thermal cameras can detect wildlife near roadways, triggering warning signs. Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and AI tools can enable real-time monitoring of animal movement and poaching threats. These tools are affordable, effective, and faster to deploy than physical infrastructure. Funding these efforts is feasible through Malaysia's Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) mechanism, which rewards states for conservation action. With a RM250 million allocation in the 2025 federal budget, this is a powerful tool to channel support into regions like Belum-Temengor. Funds should be directed to law enforcement, night patrolling, smart monitoring systems, and public awareness campaigns. We are at a tipping point. The Gerik-Jeli Highway must be reimagined not just as a road for human commerce, but as a shared corridor with wildlife. If we act boldly now — with science, policy, and compassion — we can prevent more lives from being lost, both human and animal. Let us not allow another elephant calf to die in vain. * Dr Jayaraj Vijaya Kumaran is a senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and is the project lead for 'Securing the resiliency and sustainability of Royal Belum Forest against theimpact of climate change' ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
