Prachuap Khiri Khan: Plans are afoot to relocate a rogue elephant which has ravaged durian orchards, and create a buffer zone to keep wild elephants from farms in Hua Hin district, provincial authorities say.
The measures were being considered after a wild elephant invaded orchards producing the prized Pa La-oo durians in tambon Hua Sat Yai in Hua Hin district.
The name of the tambon, which means a creek frequented by large beasts, traces its origin to an area where wild animals from the forest roamed.
The provincial office met to discuss measures to prevent wild elephants from raiding farms in the tambon, large areas of which cover national reserves.
The meeting chaired by deputy provincial governor Chote-narin Kerdsom was attended by local leaders, soldiers of the Surasee military camp and members of the Wildlife Conservation Society Thailand Programme.
The meeting decided it might be necessary to relocate the elephant from the tambon to a forest further away. The relocation, however, requires a survey first of the forest where the elephant is to be moved.
A longer-term measure was also agreed to build a semi-permanent buffer zone with a fence put up to keep wildlife from entering farms or residential communities.
Mr Chote-narin and others at the meeting have also toured the durian orchards damaged by the elephant.
He added that owners of damaged farms are entitled to state compensation while authorities will build watering holes and find sources of food for wildlife to prevent animals from invading farms.