Baby elephant discovered in the Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area

On July 26, the Management Board of the Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area, under the Special-Use Forest Management Board of Da Nang City, announced that images of a baby elephant following its mother had been captured by the camera trap system between July 20 and 23, 2025. This is the first time the conservation area has recorded the presence of a baby elephant after months of monitoring.

Earlier in 2025, forest patrol forces and local residents involved in forest protection detected signs of elephant reproduction in the Na Lau area. Upon receiving the report, the Management Board promptly developed a plan and installed 30 camera traps at 15 locations along the elephants' common routes.

Although the first round of camera footage did not capture any new individuals, the team remained undeterred and repositioned the camera traps at other promising spots. During the most recent inspection, the entire ranger team was overwhelmed with joy upon discovering the first image of a baby elephant moving nimbly under the close protection of its mother.

“This is the sweet reward for months of tireless efforts to preserve the ancient forest’s greenery and the natural habitat of wild elephants. The discovery is not only scientifically significant but also a tremendous source of motivation for conservation workers,” a representative of the Management Board shared.

The discovery of the baby elephant is considered a positive sign, indicating that the natural reproduction process of the wild elephant population in the reserve is proceeding well. It also affirms the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to reduce human-elephant conflict, protect natural habitats, and sustain the long-term development of the herd.

Since 2020, when the Green Truong Son Project helped document the appearance of a one-year-old elephant in the Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area in Quang Nam, wild elephant conservation in Central Vietnam has made notable progress. As of now, the elephant population in the conservation area in Da Nang is estimated to include at least nine individuals, with a complete herd structure consisting of males, females, and calves. This is a strong indication that the habitat is being effectively protected and remains suitable for the growth of the Asian elephant, a species currently facing the risk of global extinction.