Sumatran elephant sanctuary under threat from bridge, port projects

The location in question includes the Padang Sugihan Sebokor Wildlife Sanctuary, a particularly important hub for the elephants as it connects smaller populations in several other fragments of forest. Combined, these peatland habitats are home to an estimated 152 elephants, according to Jumiran, a local elephant conservation official. In December last year, conservation groups recorded five new elephant calves, indicating that the population is thriving in the sanctuary.

If the authorities have any intention to ensure the elephants’ continued survival, they should protect the area from any future development, said Yusuf Bahtimi, from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), who has studied this region of Sumatra extensively.

For instance, he said, any roads connecting to the planned bridge or port should be elevated, to allow the elephants to continue wandering below. “We can make that happen,” he said. “We made it to the moon, so protecting the elephant corridor and habitat should be easy.”

Yusuf also said the government should anticipate an influx of people to the area once the infrastructure projects were underway. To prevent unchecked sprawl and destruction of the forest, “the government must zone the area properly and correctly.

“[It should] state clearly which areas can be developed for what purposes, and which must be protected,” he added. “The areas to be protected include the corridors and habitats of the Sumatran elephant, peatland, and forests.

“Failing to do so will result in conflicts between humans and elephants, which the elephants will lose.”