Wild elephants spotted in forest areas of Buon Don Commune (Photo by the Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Centre)
Authorities in Dak Lak Province have confirmed repeated sightings of two wild elephants that have shown aggressive behaviour toward a captive elephant in Buon Don Commune.
According to the Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Centre, the animals were recorded in forest areas managed by Ranger Stations 6 and 12 of Yok Don National Park and in sub-zones 439, 460 and 462 under the centre’s management.
The elephants destroyed about 0.5 hectares of cassava owned by local residents and attacked a captive elephant named Kham Sinh, injuring its tail.
Amid rising risks of conflict between wild elephants, captive elephants and surrounding communities, the centre has urged residents to stay alert near forest edges, avoid sleeping in forests or field huts, and stop night-time fishing in areas where the wild elephants have appeared.
Mahouts have been told to strictly manage captive elephants and keep them away from areas where the wild elephants are present. Captive elephants currently grazing in forested land should be temporarily moved out of high-risk zones.
Tourism operators have been advised to monitor reports of wild elephant activity, alert staff and visitors, and suspend tours into forests, rivers and streams in areas where the animals have recently been sighted.
