Trees crushed by wild elephants in Bình Phước. Photo danviet.vn

BÌNH PHƯỚC — Concerns have been raised among residents of a small hamlet in the southern province of Bình Phước over the threat posed by wild elephants that have been recently spotted in the region.

According to a report by Dân Việt newspaper, the elephants have caused damage to numerous trees in gardens and farming fields at Thạch Màng Hamlet, located in the Tân Lợi Commune of the Đồng Phú District.

The majority of trees damaged were banana and fruit trees, which had been crushed underfoot to access the fruits.

The agricultural lands of several families residing in the area have been left decimated due to the elephants' destructive activity.

Trần Văn Lý, living in Thạch Màng Hamlet, said it is not the first time this hamlet was visited by wild elephants.

“At least three times in the last five years, we have seen wild elephants,” Lý said. “In 2017, we even saw a herd of four to five elephants passing the hamlet.”

“These guys come here every year. And we are always sleepless to drag them away.”

Authorities in Bình Phước Province have recorded the issue and are guiding residents with solutions.

“We are continuing inspections,” said Mai Xuân Long, Chairman of Tân Lợi Ccommune People’’s Committee. “We have requested people in our area not to hunt, shoot, or approach the elephants and advised them to report to the authorities as soon they are spotted.”

“We also instruct people on a few to draw the elephants away, to protect their safety and their belongings,” he added.

The area is close to Cát Tiên National Park. Wild elephants are one of many endangered, precious, and rare species that need to be protected.

Cát Tiên National Park was recognised by UNESCO as the World Biosphere Reserve in 2001. — VNS