The Quang Nam Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area covers nearly 19,000 hectares in Que Lam and Phuoc Ninh communes, Que Son District. It is home to a herd of eight elephants, considered one of the last wild Asian elephant populations in Vietnam.
The elephant herd frequently appeared near Cam La Hamlet in Que Lam Commune between 2017 and 2020, damaging acacia plantations, trampling water pipes, and destroying local farmland.
The seven-kilometre soapberry fence helps to prevent elephants' instrusion (Photo by the Quang Nam Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area)
Nguyen Van Binh, 72, who lives in Cam La Hamlet at the foot of the conservation area, has been forced to relocate his home four times because of elephant incursions. However, he and other villagers remain deeply committed to protecting this rare and precious herd.
When the conservation area started planting the soapberry fence five years ago, residents actively helped care for it. The dense green barrier has developed well, acting as a strong natural wall, keeping wild elephants from returning to disturb the village.
Binh said that ever since the soapberry fence took root and thrived, the village has seen no more elephant intrusions or crop destruction.
Mai Van Duong, Director of the Quang Nam Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area, said soapberry trees were selected after careful study for their fast growth, up to 60 cm per year, and dense, sharp thorns, which form an effective natural barrier against elephants.
Dung noted that this kind of tree produces fruit used to make shampoo, which provides income and improves local livelihoods.
Soapberry trees' sharp thorns form an effective natural barrier against elephants (Photo by the Quang Nam Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area)
The Vietnam Administration of Forestry funded the fence, which cost VND 4.3 billion (USD 172,000).
The Quang Nam Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area also accommodates many other rare and endangered wildlife species, including 215 terrestrial vertebrate species across 84 families and 27 orders.
