Elephants kill one child and injure three in Preah Vihear
Authorities say the herd is still moving near villages, homes and farmland.
Friday 6 November · 06:02 · 1 min read
In 30 seconds
- Six elephants have entered villages and farmland in three Preah Vihear districts over the past three months. [1]
- An 11-year-old boy died and his mother was injured when the elephants damaged shelters in Chaom Ksan district on October 13. [1]
- Authorities urge residents not to approach or provoke the herd and to report where it is seen. [1]
What happened
Six elephants—three adults and three calves—have been moving through villages and farmland in Chaom Ksan, Kulen and Tbeng Meanchey districts since entering a village on August 10. They damaged crops and shelters, and on October 13 an 11-year-old boy was killed and his mother injured in the Kanchang area of Chaom Ksan. Authorities said that by November 3 the herd was in Yeang commune, moving between Kamprak and O Da villages; three other people were also reported injured over the three-month period.
Why it matters
People living, farming or travelling where the herd passes face a risk of injury and damage to property. Authorities advise residents to keep away, avoid taking photos nearby and report sightings.
Background
Authorities have monitored the herd and hung cloth soaked in engine oil and chili on trees along its route in an effort to keep elephants out of villages. The report says wild elephants are endangered and that Cambodia has about 400 to 600 wild elephants.
Key terms
- Endangered species
- A species at risk of disappearing.
Timeline
- August 10 The six elephants first entered a village, according to the report.
- October 13 The elephants damaged shelters in Kanchang; an 11-year-old boy died and his mother was injured.
- November 3 Authorities said the herd was in Yeang commune, moving from Kamprak village to O Da village.
Sources (1)
[1] Cambodianess Caution Urged as Elephants Leave Death and Destruction 5 Nov Read originalWas this explainer clear?
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