Laos province makes plans to manage jumbos better

VIeNtIANe:

Xayaboury province recently made an official decision on the management of elephants in a bid to preserve their dwindling numbers and prevent their illegal sale and rental.

An official from the provinces Agriculture and Forestry Department, who asked not to be named, yesterday told Vientiane Times that as part of the decision, authorities will create a fund to pay for the treatment of sick elephants.

The authorities will also cooperate with various partners in the management and conservation of elephants, especially the use of elephants at various tourist sites. The movement of elephants to other places must be authorised by the Agriculture and Forestry Department, the official said.

Other management methods include the issuing of identification books when elephants are three years old, a ruling which came into effect about two years ago.

Elephants in the province will be registered, with authorities noting various details about each animal.

Identification books and the use of microchips will be used to regulate the movement of elephants and help prevent their illegal sale and rental.

Authorities will be able to identify each elephants name, owner, address and other information when they scan the microchip inserted under the animals skin. — Vientiane Times/Asia News Network