Wild elephant herd of 100 ‘tramples’ sugarcane dreams in Prachin Buri, sanctuary scrambles to restore order
Over 100 wild elephants caused chaos and distress to villagers in Khao Maikaew, Kabin Buri in Prachin Buri province after rampaging through a sugarcane plantation, forcing officials from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary to push the elephants back. However, the limited number of staff, combined with the difficulty and danger of the task, has made the task challenging. The elephants refuse to leave the area and continue to feed on the local farmers’ crops.
The Khao Maikaew Subdistrict Administrative Organisation in Prachin Buri province posted a message on Facebook appealing for a solution.
“Those who have never encountered this kind of problem may not understand how it feels. One year, one harvest. During the harvest season, everyone waits for this time of year to sell their produce to support their families.
“Some people use the proceeds to support their families, some have to pay off debts for fertilisers and plant species, some have to use the agricultural income to pay their children’s school fees, some people pay off their tractors/trucks, etc. But before they could harvest and sell their produce, a large herd of elephants came and ate almost everything, leaving nothing. The hope of getting out of debt and being solvent has been shattered.”
The villagers are suffering as the elephants continue to devastate their crops. This problem has highlighted the ongoing issue of human-elephant conflict in the area. It is hoped that a solution will soon be found to prevent further damage and preserve the livelihood of the local farmers, while also protecting the wild elephants, reported Sanook.
In related news, 50 elephants addicted to sugarcane destroyed 2000 rai of crops in Thailand migrated into farmland in Loei province in northeast. There is no sign of them retreating into the forest. To read more about the story, click HERE!
