Another Sumatran Elephant Calf Found Dead, Suspected of Being Caught in a Trap in Tesso Nilo

Thu, 26 Feb 2026, 21:59 WIB | By Putri Yuliani | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Lingkungan

More bad news has struck the Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) in Riau. This time, the death of a Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatrensis) calf from the wild elephant population in the Tesso Nilo National Park area was discovered, specifically in the Lancang Kuning Resort, PTN Sector I, on Thursday (February 26), around 12:00 PM.

“The animal was found in a state of decay and showed signs of advanced decomposition. Based on the physical condition at the scene, the death is estimated to have occurred more than a week before it was discovered,” said the Head of TNTN, Heru Sutmantoro, through the Head of the TNTN’s Sub-Bag TU, Dian Indriarti, to Media Indonesia, Thursday (February 26).

He explained that the initial examination at the location indicated a preliminary suspicion that the cause of death was an infection on the leg, which was strongly suspected to be related to a snare.

“The TNTN’s Medical Team immediately carried out further handling, including in-depth examinations to ensure the cause of death scientifically,” he said.

Currently, the identification and investigation process is still ongoing. The Tesso Nilo National Park is committed to carrying out professional handling and coordinating with relevant parties to support efforts to protect Sumatran elephants in the conservation area.

According to him, this incident is a reminder of the real threats still faced by wildlife, especially Sumatran elephants, in their natural habitat.

“We invite all parties to work together to increase awareness and active participation in preserving protected animals,” he said.

So far, the number of wild elephants in the TNTN area continues to decrease.

To ensure the exact cause of the elephant calf’s death, the Riau Police Chief, Irjen Herry Heryawan, immediately went to the location where the carcass was found, accompanied by the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit, the Head of the Special Criminal Investigation Unit, the Head of the Riau Police Forensic Laboratory, and the Head of the Riau BKSDA, Supantoro.

“We came directly to the location to ensure that the handling process is carried out seriously, measurably, and based on scientific examination,” said Irjen Herry.

The Green Policing initiator said that he and the criminal investigation team came to TNTN after receiving news of the discovery of the elephant calf’s carcass around 12:00 PM.

“When it was first discovered, the elephant calf was already in a state of decomposition and was estimated to have died more than a week ago,” said Irjen Herry.

The results of the initial coordination between the Riau Police Forensic Laboratory team and the Riau BKSDA doctor team indicated that the infection on the leg, allegedly caused by a snare, was the cause of the elephant calf’s death.

The Police Chief also ensured that every step of the handling was carried out professionally and that conclusions were not drawn hastily before the complete examination results were obtained.

“We want to ensure that the process is based on the facts on the ground. That is why I and the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit and the Head of the Forensic Laboratory came directly to see the actual conditions and support the ongoing examination process,” said Herry.

According to him, the involvement of the criminal investigation and forensic laboratory functions is an important part of anticipating the possibility of legal violations, without ignoring the medical process carried out by the conservation agency.

“We are still waiting for the results of the medical team’s examination through a necropsy. If there are indications of a criminal act, it will of course be followed up according to the applicable regulations,” he said.

The Riau Police are currently coordinating with the TNTN and the Riau BKSDA to support the collection of data and analysis at the location.

“Further developments regarding the cause of death of the elephant calf will be communicated after the results of the necropsy and field investigation are obtained completely,” said Herry.

Previously, earlier this month, an adult elephant was also found dead, shot and beheaded in the concession area of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) in the area of Lubuk Kembang Bunga Village, Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency, Riau, which is still within the landscape of the TNTN area. (RK/E-4)

The Riau Police Chief, Irjen Herry Heryawan, and the Head of the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Supartono, went directly to the Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) area on Thursday (February 26).

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