Malaysia: Elephant rampage on the rise

New Straits Times 4 May 11;

KOTA BARU: The increase in incidents of elephants rampaging farms and villages in three districts here is worrying, the state Wildlife Department said.

Department director Rahmat Topani said a total of 111 cases of rampage, mostly in Gua Musang, Jeli and Kuala Krai, were reported so far this year.

He said an elephant was caught in each of the three districts when rangers followed up on reports.

"The latest case was reported yesterday morning by an estate owner who claimed that a herd of elephants had destroyed some 500 of his oil palm trees in Kampung Limau Kasturi in Gua Musang.

"Normally, elephants would enter a smallholding or farm only during the fruit season. But the incidents are now also taking place out of season, thus causing much concern."