62 elephants encroach on plantations, small farms
LAHAD DATU: Sixty-two elephants have been reported encroaching several plantations and small farms in the Ulu Segama areas since last week.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said the elephants reportedly split into five groups and stayed at Mensuli Forest Reserve during the day and encroached into the plantations or small farms during the night.
Augustine said the elephants encroached the plantations as they were currently cutting down the old palm trees, the animals’ favourite food.
“Following this, nine staff from the Wildlife Department have been ordered to drive away the elephants to Kawag Forest Reserve or Ulu Segama Forest Reserve.
“The team face some difficulties as the elephants have split into five groups. However, the team was also assisted by the plantation workers,” he said when contacted yesterday.
According to Augustine, the Wildlife Department was using gunfire sounds and lighting bonfire to drive away the elephants.
He said heavy machinery from the plantations was also involved in an effort to drive away the elephants.
“Among the plantations being entered into are Transkina Plantation, Agro Chem Plantation and some small farms located in between Kawag and Mensuli Forest Reserve,” he added.
District Wildlife Department officer Silvester Saimin said they received full cooperation from the plantations involved in ensuring the success of the effort to drive away the elephants.
Up to yesterday, he said they had yet to receive any report of the damage caused by the elephants. He believed that this problem could be solved with cooperation from Sabah Wildlife Department and other agencies.
He added that it was important for all parties to comply with the order to ensure the protected animals would not be injured during the process.