Sumatran Elephant Found Dead in Oil Palm Plantation

A Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) has been found dead in an oil palm plantation in Kampung Kaloy, Tamiang Hulu District, Aceh Tamiang Regency.

Teuku Irmansyah, Head of Conservation Section I at the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), said his office had received information about the dead elephant in the area.

“After receiving the information, officers from the Langsa Regional Conservation Resort went directly to the location on Sunday (9/8) afternoon. However, there has been no latest report from officers in the field so far,” said Teuku Irmansyah.

The elephant was reported dead in the Afdeling B Block 34 oil palm plantation area, Kampung Kaloy, Tamiang Hulu District, Aceh Tamiang Regency, on Sunday (9/8).

“The cause of death of the elephant is not yet known. We are currently accompanying the police team to the location. The road to the location of the dead elephant is in poor condition,” said Andi.

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

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

In addition, people are urged not to store, possess, keep, transport or trade protected animals, whether alive or dead, and not to set traps or poisons that could cause death.

All negative acts against protected wildlife are subject to criminal sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.