Myanmar is developing efforts to conserve its declining elephant population through a new 10-year action plan. Over the past seven years, at least 133 elephants have been killed in Myanmar, including 25 in 2016 alone. The Myanmar Elephant Conservation Action Plan aims to preserve the elephant population for future generations through public education on poaching penalties, enacting further policy aligned with international wildlife trade standards, and other conservation measures.

1. MYANMAR LOOKS TO
CURB DECLINE OF
ELEPHANTS
Josh Ruffell

2. Introduction
 Josh Ruffell has more than 25 years of experience in
the animal industry working as an animal trainer,
wildlife consultant, and zoo curator. Throughout his
life, Josh Ruffell has been a committed advocate for
wildlife conservation.
The elephant population in Myanmar is in the midst of
a dramatic downturn, prompting officials to develop
efforts to conserve the species. Over the past seven
years, at least 133 elephants have been killed in the
country, including a reported 25 in 2016 alone. In
response to the dwindling elephant numbers, the
country has drafted the Myanmar Elephant
Conservation Action Plan (MECAP), which has been
in the works for the past year.

3. Myanmar Elephant Conservation
Action Plan
 MECAP is a 10-year plan of action that puts
measures in place to preserve the elephant
population for generations to come. It includes
awareness initiatives to educate the public
about the penalties for illegal poaching, as well
as efforts to enact further policy that conforms
to the standards outlined in the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora.