Picture courtesy of Protected Area Regional Office 2

 

Authorities in Chanthaburi are investigating the death of a wild elephant found shot in a rubber plantation near Wat Pa Khao Phai in the Kaeng Hang Maeo district.

 

The discovery prompted an immediate response from various authorities, including the Kaeng Hang Maeo police, military rangers, special operations unit 613 from Nong Makha, and local village leaders. They coordinated with Sriracha’s Protected Area Regional Office 2 to send a team of veterinarians to the site for an investigation.

 

The male elephant, estimated to be between 7 and 10 years old and weighing approximately 1.5 tons, was discovered with four gunshot wounds. The elephant was found dead in the plantation, which is located near a Buddhist monastery in the area.

 

Local residents have expressed their outrage over the killing and called for stronger measures to protect wildlife, particularly elephants, and prevent future human-wildlife conflicts. Many have suggested enhancing the monitoring and protection efforts of local wildlife patrol teams to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

 

Wild elephants are frequently seen in the area as they roam through forests and rubber plantations in search of food, sometimes coming into conflict with local farmers. Despite efforts to reduce such conflicts, human-wildlife encounters remain a serious issue in many rural parts of Thailand.

 

The authorities are currently conducting a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death and to identify the individuals responsible for the shooting. They are also exploring measures to improve wildlife conservation efforts and prevent further harm to animals in the region.

 

-- 2024-12-27

 

 

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Local residents have expressed their outrage over the killing and called for stronger measures to protect wildlife, particularly elephants,

Except it seems a possible local doesn't share your same thoughts.

Find whoever did this and lock them up! 

Very sad. Day by day wildlife is being pushed out of their traditional areas by increasing numbers of people. I  hope the RTP get the people who killed this poor elephant, and that they are jailed for a long time. 

There are about 7,500 elephants in Thailand.........about less than half are in the wild....