Mammoth problem lurks in Sumatra

Mammoth problem lurks in Sumatra

JAKARTA (JP): Elephants in Sumatra have been at it again all
year round. They have been raiding villages, devouring crops,
and leaving massive destruction. One report said as many as 14
people have been killed in elephant rampages in Sumatra.

The elephant problem has been a constant headache for the
government. The animals are a protected species.

But forced out of their natural habitat with the clearing of
forests in Sumatra, many of the elephants have turned to
plantations in search of food.

Sumatra is home to about 4,000 elephants, which are scattered in
44 sites. Most have already been herded to national parks, but some
are still on the loose. These are the culprits.

Overwhelmed with the elephant problems, Minister of
Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo at one stage proposed to
selectively kill some of them. His idea was quickly shot down by
environmentalists.

The Directorate General for Forest Protection and Nature
Preservation, assuring that elephants are not the enemy of human
beings, has been working hard to domesticate and train the animals.

They were trained not only to entertain tourists, but also to
work in plantations.

Coordination meetings among various government agencies agreed to
consider using elephants in opening up new transmigration sites and
other projects as they realized the need to preserve both the
species and their habitat. (sim)