Aceh BKSDA deploys team to prevent negative elephant interactions in Central Aceh

The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has deployed a team to prevent negative interactions with Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) in the Buter area, Ketol District, Central Aceh Regency.

“We have deployed a team to the location to prevent negative interactions with Sumatran elephants, which were reported to have chased a resident who was gardening in Ketol, Central Aceh Regency. We are also coordinating with local authorities and partners,” said Head of the Aceh BKSDA Ujang Wisnu Barata in Banda Aceh on Monday.

Previously, a resident in the Ketol area of Central Aceh Regency was reported to have been chased by an elephant while in his garden. The resident managed to escape from the pursuit of the protected wild animal.

Ujang Wisnu Barata estimated that there are three elephants in the area, one of which, based on initial analysis, is likely male and adolescent.

“It is likely that the young male elephant is following a roaming route, causing panic when it came too close to community activities,” he said.

“We also urge the public to be careful when carrying out activities in their gardens. For the time being, communicate with one another and stay away from locations where elephant tracks are found, and do not take action without being accompanied by trained officers,” said Ujang Wisnu Barata.

The Sumatran elephant is a protected wild animal. According to The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Sumatran elephant is only found on the island of Sumatra and is listed as critically endangered, at high risk of extinction in the wild.

The public is encouraged to work together to preserve nature, particularly the Sumatran elephant, by not destroying forests that serve as habitats for various wildlife species, and by not capturing, injuring, or killing them.

In addition, the public should not store, possess, keep, transport, or trade protected animals, whether alive or dead, and should not set traps or poisons that could cause death.

All negative actions against protected wildlife can be subject to criminal sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.