YANGON, June 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 4,748 domesticated elephants in Myanmar are being used in timber extraction, heavy lifting as well as for riding at eco-tourism sites, official media reported on Wednesday.

However, about 72 wild elephants were killed by hunters from 2010 to 2017. Myanmar now has nearly 2,500 wild elephants in rainforests.

To protect wild elephants against hunters, Myanmar government has built wild elephant reserves, including those in Hukaung Valley, Alaungdaw Kathapa, Shwe U Daung, Myauk Zar Mayee, Rakhine and Yoma.

Myanmar has also signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to protect wild elephants, setting aside 9,205 square miles for elephant sanctuaries.

Both local and international non-governmental organizations are exerting efforts to expand the area of land for wildlife reserves in the country.

At present, a local NGO and an elephant conservation organization from Australia are planning to establish an elephant reserve in the country.