July 7, 2025 by Liu Jia, Chinese Academy of Sciences edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Robert Egan scientific editor associate editor This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content’s credibility: fact-checked, peer-reviewed publication, trusted source, proofread **Losing Asian Elephants Could Unravel Tropical Forest Ecosystems** New research reveals a critical link between the presence of critically endangered Asian elephants ( *Elephas maximus*) and the health and diversity of tropical forest ecosystems. A groundbreaking study published in the *Journal of Animal Ecology* demonstrates that Asian elephants play a far more significant role in sustaining biodiversity than previously understood. Researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences meticulously analyzed over a decade of camera trap data – spanning from 2017 to 2021 – collected across tropical forests in Yunnan Province, China. This extensive dataset, encompassing 9,822 independent wildlife events, revealed that Asian elephants were recorded 78 times. Crucially, the study uncovered a direct correlation between elephant presence and a dramatically richer and more resilient mammal community. Within the surveyed areas, researchers documented 6,001 mammal events in regions harboring Asian elephants, compared to 3,821 in areas where elephants were absent. The findings indicated that areas with Asian elephants exhibited stronger mammal co-occurrence networks – representing more complex and robust ecological interactions. This suggests a vital interdependence between these megaherbivores and the broader animal community. Furthermore, the research highlighted a significant positive impact on overall mammal abundance, particularly benefiting ungulates and primates. The data showed that while some mammal species temporarily avoided Asian elephants, most continued to maintain their established daily activity patterns, indicating that elephants were not perceived as predators or intense competitors. This suggests a tolerance and a functional relationship within the ecosystem. Importantly, the study revealed that Asian elephant presence substantially boosted the number of individuals within species, but did not significantly increase species richness – meaning the overall number of different species remained relatively constant. This indicates a focus on population growth rather than a dramatic expansion of the animal community’s diversity. However, the researchers cautioned that the decline of Asian elephants could destabilize entire mammal networks, underscoring the potential for cascading effects within the ecosystem. ‘The extirpation of Asian elephants could severely impact ecological processes and animal community resilience,’ stated Quan Ruichang from XTBG. This research powerfully illustrates the overlooked role of Asian elephants in sustaining biodiversity beyond their well-known impact on vegetation, highlighting their importance as keystone species. The study calls for intensified research into how megaherbivores – such as Asian elephants – influence animal communities and advocates for increased conservation efforts. Protecting these magnificent creatures is paramount to the holistic conservation of Asia’s tropical forests. Researchers emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of the complex interactions within these ecosystems and the vital role megaherbivores play in maintaining their health and stability. Further investigation into these relationships is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.

Key Findings: * Asian elephants are associated with a more robust mammalian community in tropical forests. * Elephant presence boosts mammal abundance, particularly for ungulates and primates. * Their presence maintains stable species richness, focusing on population growth. * Their decline could destabilize entire mammal networks.

Further Information: Li-Li Li et al, Asian elephants are associated with a more robust mammalian community in tropical forests, *Journal of Animal Ecology* (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.70097 Journal Information: *Journal of Animal Ecology*