The Director-General of Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has ordered an investigation into a trap that killed a wild elephant in Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, Loei Province. Meanwhile, the head of Protected Area Regional Office 8 has filed a police report at Phu Ruea Police Station, urging swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

 

On November 4, authorities discovered the body of a tuskless adult male wild elephant, known as a “Si Dor,” in the Nam Rin stream in Ban Song Khon, Pla Ba sub-district, Phu Ruea district. The elephant’s trunk was tightly ensnared by a spring-loaded animal trap, attached to bamboo branches and rocks in the stream. Preliminary investigations estimate the elephant died approximately two weeks ago.

 

Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, confirmed he has received a report on the incident. He has ordered park officials to gather evidence, search for witnesses, and interview local residents to see if anyone noticed suspicious activity in the area.

 

“This is the first time in many years that I’ve seen this type of spring trap in use,” Atthapol noted. “These traps are typically set for smaller animals, like wild boars, rather than large animals like elephants. This trap may have accidentally ensnared the elephant’s trunk, leaving it unable to escape and eventually leading to its death. Nonetheless, we are committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for this incident.”

 

The elephant’s carcass will be disposed of according to department procedures, Atthapol added.

 

Mr. Chulakorn Muangkaew, Director of Protected Area Regional Office 8, said he was informed of the incident by Mr. Wanchai Simmasian, head of Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, who discovered the carcass on November 3. Following the discovery, wildlife officials, including a rapid response team, inspected the site.

 

Officials have collected evidence and filed a police report. Coordination is ongoing with veterinarians from the Department of Protected Area Regional Office 8 (Khon Kaen) and forensic investigators from Loei Province to determine the precise cause of death and to expedite efforts to identify those responsible.

 

Picture courtesy of Department of National Parks.

-- 2024-11-05

 

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

“This is the first time in many years that I’ve seen this type of spring trap in use,” Atthapol noted. “These traps are typically set for smaller animals, like wild boars, rather than large animals like elephants. This trap may have accidentally ensnared the elephant’s trunk, leaving it unable to escape and eventually leading to its death. Nonetheless, we are committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for this incident.”

Spring traps are about as inhumane as they come... trap anything that sets them off.