Movement Corridors Reduce Conflict

KOMPAS/SYAHNAN RANGKUTI

Elephants graze in May 2019 in the Minas habitat that spans an oil palm plantation and a community farm in Rumbai district, Pekanbaru, Riau. The local elephant population has declined to only 25 animals in the last 15 years and continues to shrink every year due to human encroachment. The Minas elephants are currently listed as extremely critical and could become extinct without government intervention. The Minas habitat is the third largest elephant habitat in Riau, after Tesso Nilo National Park and the Giam Siak Kecil Wildlife Reserve.

PALEMBANG, KOMPAS — Human conflict with the sumatran elephant, a protected animal and the icon of Sumatra, continues to date. Creating migration corridors for the mammal is one solution to minimize the risk of human-elephant conflict.

The animal’s habitat has changed over the last few years, including the elephant’s migratory routes. Primary forests have been converted into large plantations or private property.