Elephants to be relocated<\/p>\n
PEKANBARU, Riau: The Ministry of Forestry is planning to catch
\nand tame 20 wild elephants which will then be relocated to a new
\nhabitat in Sebanga forest in Bengkalis regency.<\/p>\n
Programming chief of the local office of the forestry ministry
\nRatman Tasmin said yesterday that the move was necessary to
\nensure the animals' survival.<\/p>\n
\"The elephant's habitat here is being encroached by human
\nsettlements, which limits their movement,\" Ratman was quoted by
\nAntara as saying.<\/p>\n
According to Ratman, when the elephants are discontent, they
\nturn destructive and often venture into residents' homes and
\nfields.<\/p>\n
Ratman said herds of elephants are often seen passing by a
\nhydropower plant project area in Kotapanjang in Kampar regency.<\/p>\n
\"We are checking if there are any wild elephants left because
\nthe plant will be in operation next March,\" Ratman said.<\/p>\n
The ministry needs Rp 14 million (US$5,600) for various
\nexpenses to catch and tame each elephant. The elephant training
\ncenter in Sebangga currently has 45 elephants.<\/p>\n
It is estimated that Riau has about 1,400 to 1,600 wild
\nelephants in its forests, 200 of which are living near
\ndevelopment areas. (14)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/elephants-to-be-relocated-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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