Declining forested land triggers elephant conflict

The continual erosion of forested land by local people has narrowed the living space for elephants in Dong Nai Province, leading to more conflict. In addition, the province’s elephant conservation project has still proceeded at a very slow pace.

Between 2009 and 2011, up to nine elephants died in the southern province of Dong Nai, which were initially suspected of being killed by people.

Recently, the only elephant in Tan Phu protective forest was also killed.

According to the forest management board, for many years, the elephants have destroyed sugarcane and crops grown by people.

Conservationists warned that if more elephants continue to be killed, the species faces extinction in Dong Nai.

Local people often use traditional methods to drive elephants away such as setting fire on cloths soaked with petrol or throwing small gas tank into them to cause explosions. However, these actions have made elephants more aggressive, which results in more conflicts with people.

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