'Changing land use driving tuskers across borders'
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Several factors influence the migration of wild elephants, the main ones being changes in climate and environment, according to a natural resources and environment official.
Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Department in Khammuan province, Khamphay Phengphaengmeuang, spoke with Vientiane Times about the wild elephants that crossed the Mekong River from Khammuan into Thailand on the night of March 10.
“There are several factors involved in migration, but changes in the climate and environment which cause a decre ase in the animals’ food sources are mainly responsible; this means they have to move from one place to another to find food,” Khamphay said.
He said records showed that the last wet season was shorter than usual, causing a shortage of animal food sources. Moreover, the presence of cassava and rubber plantations along the border between Borikhamxay and Khammuan provinces led to a decline in the size of the elephants’ habitat.
Khamphay said there are about 90 wild elephants in Khammuan province, with the majority found in Nakay district and some in Gnommalath district.
Discussing the fact that the elephants crossed the Mekong River, Khamphay noted that the animals have regular migration corridors. Local people have seen elephants crossing the river for the last six to 10 years.
The breeding season may also be a factor in the elephants’ migration as they have the ability to communicate over distances of up to 50km.
Khamphay said there is general acknowledgment of the impact of development on natural resources and wildlife habitat, and things such as the expansion of farmland have an impact on elephants’ habitats and food sources.
“The situation in Laos is similar to that in other countries. Facing food shortages, elephants have even entered villages to forage for food,” Khamphay said.
