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U.S. GOVERNMENT
INFORMATION
Op
Calendar No. 279
105TH CONGRESS SEAEREPORT
1st Session SENATE 105-142
ASIAN ELEPHANT CONSERVATION ACT OF 1997
NOVEMBER 7, 1997.-Ordered to be printed
Mr. CHAFEE, from the Committee on Environment and Public
Works, submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany S. 1287]
The Committee on Environment and Public Works, to which was
referred the bill (S. 1287), to assist in the conservation of Asian ele-
phants by supporting and providing financial resources for the con-
servation programs of nations within the range of Asian elephants
and projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in the con-
servation of Asian elephants, having considered the same, reports
favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that the
bill, as amended, do pass.
GENERAL STATEMENT
BACKGROUND
It was a small tapir-like mammal about 45 million years ago that
gave rise to the modern-day elephant. Ancestors of the elephant at
one time inhabitated almost every continent. By the end of the last
great ice age about 10,000 years ago, however, only two species
survived-the African elephant (Loxdonta africana) and the Asian
elephant (Elephas maximus). These two species are the largest
land animals on the planet. They have always played a significant
role in human society surrounding them, and they play a signifi-
cant role in the ecosystem in which they reside.
The Asian elephant, in particular, has held a unique place in so-
cieties throughout Asia for more than 5,000 years. For example,
Hindu scriptures frequently refer to elephants, and the elephantine
god Ganesh is revered by Hindu worshipers. In China, the elephant
plays a role in folklore, festivals and other rituals. The Asian ele-
phant is also a flagship species, whose needs encompass those of](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.congrecreports/crptxdai0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)