China has seen promising results in Asian elephant conservation in recent years, with wild populations steadily increasing and their habitat expanding thanks to greater efforts to preserve their living environment.

With Asian elephants being under first-class national protection in China, measures have been stepped up to safeguard the much-loved species, with these efforts coming into the spotlight as Tuesday marks World Elephant Day.

Launched in 2012 and observed worldwide on Aug 12 each year, the annual event aims to raise more public awareness about the plight of both Asian and African elephants while calling for more global action to protect them.

Asian elephants in China are primarily found in the southern Yunnan Province, with key populations concentrated in Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Lincang. To safeguard these endangered animals, China has established 11 nature reserves across their main habitat areas, covering more than 5,000 square kilometers in total. These protected zones offer stable environments which allow the elephants to thrive.

According to local authorities, the number of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has now surpassed 300, marking a significant recovery in recent years.

The cause has been further aided in recent years by the establishment of the Xishuangbanna Asian Elephant Breeding and Rescue Center in 2009. As the only research base in China focused on the rescue, care and breeding of Asian elephants, it has helped at least 25 wild Asian elephants to be successfully rescued and rehabilitated. The epic trek of a herd of Asian elephants spanning 17-months and hundreds of kilometers across Yunnan during 2020-2021 also captivated the world and gave more attention to China's efforts to protect the species.

Earlier this year, it was revealed the group had grown from 16 to 28 members, including seven playful calves, while a designated "elephant canteen" stocked with sugarcane helps them through the winter in the Xishuangbanna.