Perhilitan captures orchard-raiding elephant

 

Kelantan Perhilitan director Hafid Rohani said the elephant was caught after his department received a complaint that the animal was raiding orchards. (Perhilitan Facebook pic)

JELI: The Kelantan department of wildlife protection and national parks (Perhilitan) captured a bull elephant in Kampung Kalai, Batu Melintang, here yesterday.

Director Hafid Rohani said the elephant was caught after his department received a complaint that the animal had raided villagers’ orchards.

“Seven members of the Jeli wildlife department and the Kelantan elephant capture unit monitored and subsequently caught the wild animal.

“To some extent, this is a relief for the villagers, with the end of further losses,” he said today.

Hafid said Perhilitan will transfer and release the wild elephant in due course with the help of two decoy elephants and the Kuala Gandah national elephant conservation centre staff in Lanchang, Pahang.

“This is not a long-term solution as the orchards are near the Gunung Basor permanent forest reserve and borders the Belum Temenggor forest reserve.

“We estimate there to be more than 50 wild elephants in Gunung Basor,” he said, adding that his crew had taken action to reduce conflicts in the area by advising villagers, especially farmers, to take mitigative measures.

“The public is advised to be extra cautious and alert if they come across wild animals and not to take any action that could harm themselves,” he said. - FMT