The Asian Elephant Transport Working Group (AsETWG) was formed in 2018 as a joint collaboration between the IUCN WCPA Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group (CCSG) and the IUCN SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG). Since starting work in early 2019, the group has focused on contributing to the improvement of core habitats and Asian elephant movement corridors that are increasingly threatened by the development of linear transportation infrastructure – especially roads, railways, and canals. Currently, 25+ volunteer members are undertaking field investigations, and developing solutions for decreasing mortality and barriers to Asian elephant movement. AsETWG’s mission is to serve as the hub of expertise, synthesis, integration, practical guidance, and technical support to deliver practical, flexible, and science-based solutions that avoid and mitigate threats to Asian elephants posed by linear transportation infrastructure across all 13 range states.
This multi-media submission will serve to inform ICOET participants about the role of the AsETWG and introduce key components from its newest online report Protecting Asian Elephants from Linear Transport Infrastructure – An Introduction to the Challenges and Solutions.