Chainsaws scare elephants

BENGKALIS, Riau: The villagers of Sebangsa Asal in Mandau district said that chainsaw noises stemming from nearby logging activities had deterred elephants from raiding their plantations.

Local leader M. Tete was quoted by Antara as saying on Sunday that the elephants had not been seen in the area since logging activities started in the nearby forest last year.

"It could be the noise of chainsaws which has deterred the elephants," Tete said.

Tete said that the elephants used to damage villagers' rubber plantations, coconut palms and banana trees. (byg)