Elephants symbolize the conflict between humans and wildlife

"The main threat to wild elephants is not the trade in ivory, but the expansion of human territory and the soaring population," said Meng Xianlin, director of the endangered species management office at the State Forestry Administration.

He said wild elephants cannot be listed as an endangered species that requires the highest level of protection.

"However, it is an iconic species that reflects the conflict between wildlife and human society; the expansion of the area of human activity, illegal hunting and the greater demand for farmland to feed the rising global population," he added.