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Govt mulls options for wild elephants

HA NOI — Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Cong Tan has called on the Binh Thuan provincial authorities to protect local people from a herd of rampaging elephants in forested Tanh Linh District.

In an urgent meeting with relevant officials last Wednesday, Tan said all efforts should be made to prevent further deaths, and recommended that the herd be relocated to a more remote location as soon as possible.

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Le Huy Ngo said the relocation of the herd will take place this September, when the onset of the dry season will facilitate the plan.

"It’s going to cost VND3 billion, but we can’t wait long for foreign assistance because people’s lives are at stake," Ngo said.

He suggested the ministry might invite Indonesian elephant experts to assist with the move and reduce any risks.

A previous attempt to relocate the elephants failed, as the beasts scattered and many died. In just a decade, the number of wild elephants has dropped from 2,000 to about 120.

Meanwhile, a specialist group has been sent to Tanh Linh where the savage herd is threatening the lives of villagers, who are upset at the delay to the relocation project.

Some 3,000 villagers are being resettled to safer areas, and will receive funding to buy shelter and food.

Locals are also being given tips on what to do if they run into wild elephants.

In recent years, the elephants have claimed 14 lives, despite the Government’s efforts. The most recent death occurred just last week.

The relocation plan will see the herd moved to Dac Lac Province, where there is more forest cover.

The shortage of land has driven the elephants to attack people. The Tanh Linh Forest Reserve has dwindled to a little over 10,000ha, halving in size as immigrants have poured into the area. — VNS

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