Elephants to be relocated

Elephants to be relocated

PEKANBARU, Riau: The Ministry of Forestry is planning to catch and tame 20 wild elephants which will then be relocated to a new habitat in Sebanga forest in Bengkalis regency.

Programming chief of the local office of the forestry ministry Ratman Tasmin said yesterday that the move was necessary to ensure the animals' survival.

"The elephant's habitat here is being encroached by human settlements, which limits their movement," Ratman was quoted by Antara as saying.

According to Ratman, when the elephants are discontent, they turn destructive and often venture into residents' homes and fields.

Ratman said herds of elephants are often seen passing by a hydropower plant project area in Kotapanjang in Kampar regency.

"We are checking if there are any wild elephants left because the plant will be in operation next March," Ratman said.

The ministry needs Rp 14 million (US$5,600) for various expenses to catch and tame each elephant. The elephant training center in Sebangga currently has 45 elephants.

It is estimated that Riau has about 1,400 to 1,600 wild elephants in its forests, 200 of which are living near development areas. (14)