Finding Elephant Population Increases By 3-4 Heads In Wildlife, South Sumatra BKSDA Calls Evidence Of Successful Conservation

Elephants at the Padang Sugihan SM Conservation Center, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, South Sumatra. (ANTARA/HO-BKSDA)

PALEMBANG - The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of South Sumatra Province stated that the elephant population in the Padang Sugihan Wildlife Sanctuary, Banyuasin Regency has increased by three to four individuals.

The head of the South Sumatra BKSDA, Ujang Wisnu Barata, said it was estimated that the original population of 46 elephants would increase to 49 to 50 elephants. "In our survey two years ago, there were 46 elephants, and it is estimated that this has increased because at the time of the survey some were pregnant," said Ujang in Palembang, Antara, Friday, February 25.

According to Ujang, the increase in the elephant population can be used as a parameter for the success of conservation efforts, apart from of course the welfare of the species (sufficient feed) and the ability of the community to share space with these protected animals.

Currently, the government, plantation companies, communities, Community Social Institutions (NGOs) are working together to encourage local communities to coexist with elephants.

"What we want to achieve here is not to let the elephants be seen by the public as mere nuisances," he said. For this reason, his party supports mitigation efforts to keep these large growing mammals from becoming extinct.

One of them is the installation of a GPS Collar on elephant growth, which is a type of navigation tool for elephant movements by Asia Pulp And Paper (APP) Sinar Mas. The installation of the three GPS Collars is planned for March 2022 in collaboration with the Forest and Animal Networking Association (PJHS).

The GPS Collar, which weighs about 15 kilograms, will be attached like a necklace to an elephant so that its movements will be monitored so that relevant parties can map conflict areas and make early warnings. This tool uses a battery that is designed to last 2-3 years.

"With the use of this technology, it is hoped that it can become an early warning system for the community, so they will be prepared when elephants want to pass or enter plantation and residential areas," he said.

Chairman of the Association of Forest and Animal Networks (PJHS) Syamsuardi said the installation of this tool is not only for mitigation purposes but also for research so that efforts to protect Sumatran elephants are better.

“As far as cruising, this also needs to be studied. Currently the average is only 3 kilometers, but sometimes it can reach 13 kilometers. What is this, and through this GPS technology, hopefully new research results can be found," said Syamsuardi.

In mid-July 2021, at least 50 elephants consisting of 31 conservation elephants and 19 wild elephants with elephant ages ranging from 1 month to 40 years in Padang Sugihan SM were rescued from forest and land fires.

The rescued elephants are generally from conflicts with residents from Ogan Komering Ulu, Ogan Komering Ulu Timur, Banyuasin to Lampung.

In its development, since being placed in Padang Sugihan SM, tens of these elephants can breed well, resulting in a number of births. This Sumatran elephant is also often used to resolve land conflicts, namely driving wild elephants back to their habitat or away from residential areas.