Community ranger network boosts human–elephant coexistence

(Yunnan Province, China- September 4, 2025) A training workshop for community rangers was held this week in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, strengthening efforts to promote human–elephant coexistence in the region. 

Organised jointly by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the Jinghong Forestry and Grassland Administration, and the Mengla County Forestry and Grassland Administration, the workshop brought together 30 participants - including community rangers, local leaders, and educators from Jinghong and Mengla. The training focused on understanding elephant behaviour, further building early-warning capabilities, exchanging field experience, and deepening community engagement. 

Launched in Jinghong in 2021 and extended to Mengla in 2024, the Community Ranger Network initiative works in partnership with local forestry authorities to train rangers, supply field equipment, and create platforms for information dissemination and community education. The network now includes 22 rangers serving more than 220 villages across five townships in Jinghong and over 50 communities in five townships in Mengla.  

“Community rangers play an essential role in human–elephant safety,” said Yongde Yang from the Jinghong Forestry and Grassland Administration.  

“Working in core elephant habitats, they carry the vital responsibility of protecting both people and elephants. Through daily patrols on foot and motorcycle, and by sharing practical safety knowledge and real-life stories, they build a robust shield for both communities and wildlife.” 

The initiative has already reached thousands of community members. In Jinghong, the rangers conducted 868 training sessions engaging 21,944 people, while in Mengla, 89 sessions reached 6,619 individuals. More than 40,000 educational leaflets on Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) prevention have also been distributed. Pre- and post-implementation surveys were conducted in Mengla to measure the program’s impact.  

“Comparing the two surveys in Mengla, we see clear positive trends from our outreach,” said Dafan Cao, Asian Elephant Program Officer at IFAW.  

“Participation in elephant safety awareness activities increased by 29%, trust in official mitigation measures grew by 16.7%, and we are seeing more residents shift from passive avoidance to proactive prevention- such as checking early-warning messages and adapting their daily routines.” 

“These findings help shape our future outreach strategies,” said Meng Chen from the Mengla County Forestry and Grassland Administration.  

“We will tailor safety practices to different regions, ethnic groups, and ages, and develop more targeted materials to enhance human-elephant coexistence.” 

IFAW also donated 30 sets of field equipment - including hiking shoes, quick-dry uniforms, and high-powered flashlights - to support patrolling in extreme hot weather, heavy rain, and during nighttime operations. 

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