Wild Elephants In Pelalawan, Riau, Were Fitted With Tracking Collars, And Two Tame Elephants Assisted In Installation

JAKARTA - The Riau Province Conservation and Natural Resources Agency (BB KSDA) has fitted a Global Positioning System (GPS) collar to a wild elephant in the Tesso Tenggara enclave in Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province.

The Head of the Riau KSDA Agency, Supartono, stated that the individual who was successfully fitted with the GPS collar is an adult female elephant, approximately 40 years old. She is in good health, with an estimated weight of 3,320 kilograms (kg).

"This individual is a dominant female elephant, and based on team observations, is often followed by other elephants," he said in Pekanbaru on Monday, as reported by Antara.

He explained that the GPS collar fitting took place on Thursday, November 6th, in collaboration with the Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) Office, the TNTN Foundation, and other stakeholders at the local level. Data shows there are currently 30 individuals in the Tesso Tenggara enclave.

Fitting the GPS collar on the wild elephant, he continued, was not an easy task. This is because it requires thorough preparation, complete equipment, team coordination, and very precise field calculations.

"The team must ensure the safety of both the elephants and the team. The GPS collar installation process was assisted by two tame elephants from the Minas Elephant Training Center (PLG)," he said.

He added that the GPS collar installation was carried out to establish an early warning system to mitigate negative interactions with wildlife and elephants and also to capture elephant movements in the enclosure.

Furthermore, the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and other relevant parties will monitor and process the GPS collar data. With the installation of the GPS collar, it is hoped that elephant interactions will be detected early, allowing for faster response.

"We would like to thank all parties who have supported the installation of this GPS collar, and we hope this collaboration will continue to support elephant conservation efforts in Bumi Lancang Kuning," he said.