In the dense jungles of Vietnam's Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, two wild Asian elephants named Dinh Quan and Bien Dong roam freely, enjoying the lush grass and refreshing pools of water. They are part of an innovative project using "camera traps" to create unique identification cards for elephants in the area.

This project, spearheaded by the Humane Society International (HSI) Vietnam chapter and local authorities, aims to monitor and protect the much-diminished population of elephants in the region. Unlike human society, where age and experience confer respect, elephants' social hierarchy is determined by size and body mass.

As such, Dinh Quan, who is at least 15 years old, is mentoring his junior companion, Bien Dong, who is learning the ropes of jungle living. The project captured a heartwarming photo of the two buddies trundling towards a waterhole in April, using motion sensor cameras strategically placed along their traversing routes.

The camera traps, attached inconspicuously to tree trunks, are equipped with sensors that activate when large mammals like elephants pass by. These cameras have compiled over 16,000 images since June 2022, creating a unique catalogue of "elephant ID cards." The individual identification profiles include characteristics such as age, sex, physical traits, and overall health and condition.

This data allows scientists and conservationists to track the elephants' movement and feeding habits, as well as monitor their health and recovery if they have been injured or ill. The compiled data from the camera traps has shown a significant increase in the number of elephants in the Dong Nai conservation area.

Previously, it was estimated that there were only 14 elephants in the region, but the analysis of the collected images suggests a population of at least 27 elephants. The data also indicates that the herd is in good condition, with a higher health index score than elephants in Sri Lanka, a country with a larger elephant population.

However, experts caution that more detailed data is needed to accurately determine the size of the elephant population in the area. The HSI's camera traps are filling a knowledge gap about elephants in Vietnam, where resources and expertise for conservation efforts are limited.

These camera traps not only provide crucial information about elephants but also train local officials in their use. One pressing issue in the coexistence between humans and elephants is protection. Electric fencing is one method used to prevent elephants from straying out of the national park and into communities.

However, opinions on its effectiveness are divided among Vietnamese and international experts. Conflict between elephants and local residents, who rely on the same habitats for their livelihoods, has been reported. Electric fencing, alongside other strategies like noise-making and bright lights, aims to prevent unwanted encounters and maintain a safe distance between elephants and humans.

Vietnam's conservation efforts are crucial, as the country's wild elephant population has dramatically declined from an estimated 2,000 animals in the 1980s to as few as 130 today. The HSI's camera traps provide valuable insights into the lives and behaviors of Vietnam's elephants and help bridge the gap between humans and these majestic creatures.

With a better understanding of their needs and habits, conservationists hope to protect both elephants and the rural communities that share their habitats. The ongoing project is not only creating individual "ID cards" for Vietnam's elephants but also giving them a voice in expressing their opinions and ensuring their conservation for generations to come.