Elephant-Human Conflict: How Much Longer?

The conflict between elephants and humans in Malaysia is not new, but in recent years, it has become increasingly serious, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, including Perak.

This first article in a three-part series delves into incident statistics, the underlying causes, and the measures taken by authorities to address the issue over the past five years since 2019.

For residents and road users in Hulu Perak, particularly in Gerik and Sungai Siput, sightings of elephant herds roaming around have become as common as spotting livestock such as cows and goats. 

However, unlike livestock, these so-called ‘big brothers’ pose significant safety risks and can cause property damage, making their presence a pressing concern—especially for villagers living near their habitat.

Although elephant-human conflicts have existed for a long time, social media posts by individuals who have encountered these massive land mammals in recent years highlight the need for a more comprehensive solution.

In an exclusive interview with Bernama, Perak’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Director, Yusof Shariff said that based on their monitoring and control  efforts, the department does not rule out the possibility of a growing elephant population.

He also noted that adaptation factors have made these animals less inclined to avoid humans, resulting in more frequent sightings.

Yusoff Shariff.

 “This state with nearly 50 per cent of its land still forested and connected to southern Thailand’s forests, offers a suitable habitat for elephants to thrive.

“The ease of reporting incidents via smartphones has also contributed to the increase in complaints, along with greater public awareness - particularly among the younger generation—about wildlife and conservation,” he said.

 He acknowledged that human activiities, such as land clearing for development, have driven elephants to venture into plantations and human settlements. Additionally, elephants have a natural tendency to return to areas they have previously roamed.

COMPLAINTS AND COMPENSATION FOR ELEPHANT-RELATED INCIDENTS

Between 2019 and 2024, Perhilitan Perak recorded two fatalities and three injuries resulting from elephant-human conflicts, Yusoff said.

He estimated that elephant-related damages during this period amounted to RM2,343,673.

Wild elephants enjoy food before being moved by the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (Perhilitan) of Perak during the recent animal transfer operation.

“Last year alone, Perhilitan Perak received 422 complaints related to elephants, with a total of RM150,744.52 in assistance paid to affected victims,” he said.

 “We compensate half of the estimated damage - for example, if the loss is RM5,000, we will provide RM2,500,” he explained, noting that the compensation covers damage to crops and property.

He added that the payments are made through the Bantuan Kerugian Harta Benda dan Tanaman Akibat Serangan Hidupan Liar (BKHT), a compensation scheme funded by the federal government.

For incidents involving injury or death due to wildlife attacks, Yusoff said assistance is provided through the Tabung Bantuan Mangsa Serangan Binatang Buas, which was established in 2008 and is managed by the Social Welfare Department.

"Our role is solely to advise and verify that the attack was indeed caused by wildlife," he explained.

ELEPHANT TRANSLOCATION IN PERAK INCREASED LAST YEAR

Between 2020 and 2023, Perhilitan Perak relocated 41 elephants involved in conflicts with humans.

“In 2024 alone, the number was significantly higher than in the previous years, with 32 elephants relocated—16 of them from Kampung Bandariang, Gerik.

Some of the wild elephants are believed to be destroying the crops and the houses of the people in Talang Orang Asli Village, Pos Perwor.

“The case in Kampung Bandariang involved a group of elephants," Yusoff said.

Typically, Perhilitan’s first response to elephant disturbance complaints is to drive the animals away from the area.

"When we receive a complaint, we investigate and chase the elephants away, regardless of whether they arrive individually or in a group," he said, explaining that capture and relocation only occur if the elephants return repeatedly.

"In such cases, if the elephants come as a group, we usually capture only one, as the rest will typically flee and not return," he added.

However, in Kampung Bandariang, the elephant group was persistent, returning to the location even after two of them were captured.

When asked why the elephants refused to leave, Yusoff suggested that the peak season for dokong fruit at the time was a major factor drawing them back to the village.

Yusoff also noted that relocating elephants involved in human conflicts is a complex and costly process, particularly due to manpower and logistics requirements.

"Each operation requires around 30 personnel. The cost of tranquiliser drugs is high because they are imported.

"If the captured elephant is in a remote location without roads, we have to build access routes using heavy machinery so that a truck can get close. We also need to construct a loading bay to safely lift the elephant onto the truck.

"The same applies if we use trained decoy elephants (gajah denak). Since Perak does not have any, we must bring them from the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Pahang.

"At minimum, we need two decoy elephants to ‘persuade’ the captured elephant to cooperate—so the costs increase further," he said.

ELEPHANT DIET AND BEHAVIOUR

Yusoff said elephants typically consume 6 to 10 per cent of their body weight in food daily, which requires them to roam over large areas in search of sustenance.

"The elephants in this country belong to the Asian elephant species, which can weigh up to 5,000 kg (five tons) and reach a height of three metres.

Denak elephants accompany wild elephants (centre) in the operation of the Perhilitan Perak.

“For instance, if an elephant weighs 1,000 kg (one ton), it eats 60 to 100 kg of food per day. Their diet includes leaves, shoots, and especially palm hearts, which is why elephants often raid oil palm plantations—they love eating palm shoots. They also enjoy coconuts and sugarcane," he said, adding that wild elephants can live up to 65 years.

Elephants reach sexual maturity at eight to nine years old and begin mating, with a gestation period of 22 months.

"Typically, elephants give birth to a single calf, and twin births are rare. The newborn is cared for collectively by other elephants in the group," Yusoff said.

Elephants live in herds led by a dominant female, while mature males leave the group and live solitary lives.

"Sometimes, male elephants join other male groups, but not in the true sense—they mostly lead solitary lives," he added.

Elephants are most active from early evening until early morning, with home ranges covering up to 60 square kilometres.

They are also susceptible to various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

“Elephants that are accustomed to human presence behave differently from those that rarely encounter people. Additionally, these animals learn from experience.

“For example, if people frequently throw firecrackers at them, the elephants will initially flee out of fear or a sense of threat. However, if this continues without any real consequences, they may eventually stop running away altogether,” he said.

"On the other hand, if elephants experience pain every time they hear an explosion from gunshots, they will start associating loud bangs with danger, increasing the likelihood of them attacking.

“The same applies to car horns—there are two possible reactions: either the elephants flee or they charge. Therefore, the best course of action when encountering an elephant on the road is to remain still inside your vehicle and avoid honking," he said.

Yusoff believes that elephant-human conflicts in Malaysia remain relatively under control compared to other countries.

Local residents saw the wild elephants caught by Perhilitan Perak in the operation to transfer the wild elephants.

"In Thailand, an average of 20 to 30 people die from elephant attacks each year. In Peninsular Malaysia, if I recall correctly, there were only two fatal cases last year—one in Johor and one in Perak—which indicates that the situation is still manageable," he said.

In Malaysia, elephants are fully protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.

Translated by Salbiah Said

 -- BERNAMA