Kui Buri National Park’s wild elephants

Posted by admin on June 28th, 2009 filed in Day trips, Sightseeing

When the wild elephants’ natural food resources dwindle, the animals unknowingly put themselves in a hazardous situation by leaving the jungle to feed on cultivated crops. Having become intolerant, several farmers trying to stop the unwanted visitors from trashing their livelihoods and fields during their search for food have resorted to violence.

Not far away from Kui Buri National Park, two of the mighty animals were found dead in the pineapple plantations. A bottle of insecticide was found near the dead elephants. The first conflict between elephants and farmers here took place 12 years ago.

Suggested by His Majesty the King, the reserve’s denuded forests need to be rehabilitated restoring the wild animals’ natural living environment. The King’s suggestion set in motion resulted in the gradual production of a natural foraging territory for the animals.

Due to this the number of confrontations between elephants and farmers decreased. The land-lease contracts’ termination was the start attempting to reduce the fights. Under these contracts the farmers legally hired the deforested territories to cultivate pineapples.

Covering an area of more than 18,500 rai, new plots were leased to the villagers. Most of them cooperated relocating their plantations.  Preventing encroachment on the selected foraging environment, a watch unit was founded. In addition, an awareness program was carried out promoting conservation of wildlife and forests.

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

The area’s elephant population has grown from 78 animals in 1997 to 168 today. There have been spotted other rare wildlife species as well. At present time, wild elephants hardly make their way into the pineapple plantations.

To promote eco-tourism, an educational and visitors centre has been established, which serve as new income sources for locals working as tour guides as well. Supervised by the TAO with the Kui Buri National Park’s help, the centre mainly serves visitor groups from Hua Hin. The eco-tour leads tourists to designated locations where they can observe herds of wild elephants.