The End of Aceh's Wild Elephants

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The End of Aceh's Wild Elephants

Photographer: Hotli Simanjuntak

Ida, a 60-year-old domesticated elephant fatally injured in the leg during a fight with a wild elephant while she was used in a program to push back the wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. She has since died from her injuries. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAKAcross Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose.

The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country.

Wild Sumatran elephant numbers are falling across the archipelago, with current figures estimated at around 1,700, a sharp decline from the 5,000 individuals in the 1980s and 2,800 in the 1990s. The numbers have continued to disappear despite being put on the list of animals that are Critically Endangered or near extinction in 2012 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

At least 170 elephants were killed between 2012 and December 2017, according to the Indonesian Elephant Conservation Forum (FKGI), although the real death toll is believed to be far higher.

The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. The habitats for wild animals are decreasing rapidly, as humans and their crops and settlements expand even faster.

Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success.

One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas.

Additionally, the Indonesian Aceh Natural Resource Conservation Agency has been using satellite tracking of wild elephant movements through GPS collars to provide an early warning system for when wild elephants approach towns or settlements.

The Aceh government is also encouraging driving wild elephants away in a non-lethal manner, by using fireworks and firecrackers, for example. Despite these efforts, many are killed by shooting or trapping with iron cable traps. There have also been reports of elephants being poisoned or electrocuted.

The decimation of the wild elephant population in Aceh shines a light on the stark reality of conservation. As with many other species, the main challenge to protect the elephants is less about bringing them into a new safety or captive zoo, and more about saving a rapidly receding natural environment that has been occupied and irreversibly changed by humans, leaving its native occupants without a home.

Acehnese man Sujono, 50, with crops destroyed by wild elephants in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh

Acehnese man Sujono, 50, with crops destroyed by wild elephants in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

A wild elephant (L) and a domesticated elephant used to push the wild elephants away from the area during a confrontation as a ranger monitors the situation on the ground at front, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 13 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is

A wild elephant (L) and a domesticated elephant used to push the wild elephants away from the area during a confrontation as a ranger monitors the situation on the ground at front, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 13 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

Veterinarians prepare syringes of anesthetics to give wild elephants, part of an operation to track and install GPS collars for satellite tracking near Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. The program by the Aceh Natural Resource Agency allows staff to track the wild elephants so they can then be pushed away if they near settled areas or crops. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting

Veterinarians prepare syringes of anesthetics to give wild elephants, part of an operation to track and install GPS collars for satellite tracking near Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. The program by the Aceh Natural Resource Agency allows staff to track the wild elephants so they can then be pushed away if they near settled areas or crops. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

A veterinarian prepares anesthetic to be shot into the skin of wild elephants, part of an operation to track and install GPS collars for satellite tracking near Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. The program by the Aceh Natural Resource Agency allows staff to track the wild elephants so they can then be pushed away if they near settled areas or crops. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment

A veterinarian prepares anesthetic to be shot into the skin of wild elephants, part of an operation to track and install GPS collars for satellite tracking near Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. The program by the Aceh Natural Resource Agency allows staff to track the wild elephants so they can then be pushed away if they near settled areas or crops. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

A veterinarian readies to shoot a syringe of anesthetic into a wild elephants, part of an operation to track and install GPS collars for satellite tracking near Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. The program by the Aceh Natural Resource Agency allows staff to track the wild elephants so they can then be pushed away if they near settled areas or crops. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment

A veterinarian readies to shoot a syringe of anesthetic into a wild elephants, part of an operation to track and install GPS collars for satellite tracking near Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. The program by the Aceh Natural Resource Agency allows staff to track the wild elephants so they can then be pushed away if they near settled areas or crops. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK 

A mahout rides a domesticated elephant through the jungle as they take part in a program to push back wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 13 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants

A mahout rides a domesticated elephant through the jungle as they take part in a program to push back wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 13 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

A palm oil plantation worker harvests palm fruit in Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500

A palm oil plantation worker harvests palm fruit in Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK 

A palm oil plantation worker harvests palm fruit in Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 11 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500

A palm oil plantation worker harvests palm fruit in Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 11 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK 

A mahout rides a domesticated elephant onto a truck for transport to the 'conflict zone' as they take part in a program to push back wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is

A mahout rides a domesticated elephant onto a truck for transport to the 'conflict zone' as they take part in a program to push back wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

A rescued orangutan inside a cage at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP) Re-introduction and Quarantine Station, in Jantho, Aceh Besar, Indonesia, 18 June 2019. Orangutans are brought to the center after losing their habitat, mostly due to widespread illegal logging and the destruction of the forest for palm oil plantations. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against

A rescued orangutan inside a cage at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP) Re-introduction and Quarantine Station, in Jantho, Aceh Besar, Indonesia, 18 June 2019. Orangutans are brought to the center after losing their habitat, mostly due to widespread illegal logging and the destruction of the forest for palm oil plantations. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The orangutan population (pongo abelii), a protected species of critically-endangered apes, faces a similar fate to the wild elephant. Huge investments in palm oil plantations have caused the ongoing destruction of critical orangutan habitat. While some of the individual orangutans who lost their habitat are saved and nurtured by humans, their dependence on their bipedal primate cousins means they cannot be rewilded. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

A mahout rides a domesticated elephant past villagers on motorbikes as they take part in a program to push back wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The

A mahout rides a domesticated elephant past villagers on motorbikes as they take part in a program to push back wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK 

Mahouts ride domesticated elephants across a river as they take part in a program to push back wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 27 April 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impendin

Mahouts ride domesticated elephants across a river as they take part in a program to push back wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 27 April 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK 

Acehnese man Sujono, 50, inspects a dwelling destroyed by wild elephants in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so tha

Acehnese man Sujono, 50, inspects a dwelling destroyed by wild elephants in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

A wild elephant appears in the human habited area of Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 13 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 5

A wild elephant appears in the human habited area of Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 13 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

Acehnese villagers use firecrackers, lights, fireworks and loud noises to scare off wild elephants from entering the village in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is

Acehnese villagers use firecrackers, lights, fireworks and loud noises to scare off wild elephants from entering the village in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. The Aceh government encourages driving wild elephants away in a non-lethal manner. For example, by using fireworks and firecrackers. But in reality many are killed by shooting or trapping using painful iron cable traps, or poisoned, or electrocuted. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

An Acehnese villager holds up a firecracker used to scare off wild elephants in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 13 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so

An Acehnese villager holds up a firecracker used to scare off wild elephants in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 13 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. The Aceh government encourages driving wild elephants away in a non-lethal manner. For example, by using fireworks and firecrackers. But in reality many are killed by shooting or trapping using painful iron cable traps, or poisoned, or electrocuted. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

Acehnese villagers use firecrackers, lights, fireworks and loud noises to scare off wild elephants from entering the village in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is

Acehnese villagers use firecrackers, lights, fireworks and loud noises to scare off wild elephants from entering the village in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. The Aceh government encourages driving wild elephants away in a non-lethal manner. For example, by using fireworks and firecrackers. But in reality many are killed by shooting or trapping using painful iron cable traps, or poisoned, or electrocuted. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

Amira, a wild baby elephant, is buried, after she was caught in a poacher's trap and died of her leg injuries, at the Elephant Training Centre in Sare, Aceh Besar, Indonesia, 24 September 2018. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impendin

Amira, a wild baby elephant, is buried, after she was caught in a poacher's trap and died of her leg injuries, at the Elephant Training Centre in Sare, Aceh Besar, Indonesia, 24 September 2018. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. The Aceh government encourages driving wild elephants away in a non-lethal manner. For example, by using fireworks and firecrackers. But in reality many are killed by shooting or trapping using painful iron cable traps, or poisoned, or electrocuted. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

An Aceh Natural Resource Agency staff show a confiscated elephant ivory, seized from a poacher, in the Aceh Natural Resource Agency office in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, 19 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is

An Aceh Natural Resource Agency staff show a confiscated elephant ivory, seized from a poacher, in the Aceh Natural Resource Agency office in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, 19 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK 

Rere, a four-and-half-year-old rescued Sumatran orangutan, hangs from a tree after being released into the wild at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP) Reintroduction and Quarantine Station in Jantho, Aceh Besar, Indonesia, 18 June 2019. Orangutans are brought to the center after losing their habitat, mostly due to widespread illegal logging and the destruction of the forest for palm oil plantations. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing constr

Rere, a four-and-half-year-old rescued Sumatran orangutan, hangs from a tree after being released into the wild at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP) Reintroduction and Quarantine Station in Jantho, Aceh Besar, Indonesia, 18 June 2019. Orangutans are brought to the center after losing their habitat, mostly due to widespread illegal logging and the destruction of the forest for palm oil plantations. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The orangutan population (pongo abelii), a protected species of critically-endangered apes, faces a similar fate to the wild elephant. Huge investments in palm oil plantations have caused the ongoing destruction of critical orangutan habitat. While some of the individual orangutans who lost their habitat are saved and nurtured by humans, their dependence on their bipedal primate cousins means they cannot be rewilded. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

Acehnese villagers watch Ida, a 60-year-old domesticated elephant fatally injured in the leg during a fight with a wild elephant while she was used in a program to push back the wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Ida has since died from her injuries. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically e

Acehnese villagers watch Ida, a 60-year-old domesticated elephant fatally injured in the leg during a fight with a wild elephant while she was used in a program to push back the wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. Ida has since died from her injuries. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK 

Ida, a 60-year-old domesticated elephant fatally injured in the leg during a fight with a wild elephant while she was used in a program to push back the wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. She has since died from her injuries. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants

Ida, a 60-year-old domesticated elephant fatally injured in the leg during a fight with a wild elephant while she was used in a program to push back the wild elephants from plantations and settlements, in Negeri Antara, Aceh, Indonesia, 12 February 2019. She has since died from her injuries. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

A domesticated elephant raises its trunk and tusk as it is transported to an area to push back wild elephants near the village of Cot Girek, in north Aceh, Indonesia, 11 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction

A domesticated elephant raises its trunk and tusk as it is transported to an area to push back wild elephants near the village of Cot Girek, in north Aceh, Indonesia, 11 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

Domesticated elephants used to push away wild elephants patrol the forest as they search for wild elephant to capture and fit with a GPS collar for tracking, near the village of Cot Girek, in north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certa

Domesticated elephants used to push away wild elephants patrol the forest as they search for wild elephant to capture and fit with a GPS collar for tracking, near the village of Cot Girek, in north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

Domesticated elephants used to push away wild elephants are transported on a truck near the village of Cot Girek, in north Aceh, Indonesia, 11 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the coun

Domesticated elephants used to push away wild elephants are transported on a truck near the village of Cot Girek, in north Aceh, Indonesia, 11 June 2019. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. Efforts are being made by the Aceh government and the community to reduce conflicts with wild elephants, but so far with little success. One of the measures is to locate a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in areas prone to elephant conflict. The CRU consists of several tame elephants that are trained to drive and push wild pachyderms from residential areas. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

Aceh Natural Resource Agency staff hold a GPS collar as they locate and subdue wild elephants for fitting them with GPS collars, near Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. The satellite tracked wild elephants can then be pushed away if they near settled areas or crops. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal co

Aceh Natural Resource Agency staff hold a GPS collar as they locate and subdue wild elephants for fitting them with GPS collars, near Cot Girek, north Aceh, Indonesia, 12 June 2019. The satellite tracked wild elephants can then be pushed away if they near settled areas or crops. Across Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, new plantations and a housing construction boom are threatening the natural environment, pitting humans against the already-critically endangered wild elephants in a fatal conflict which the native Sumatran pachyderm is certain to lose. The elephants’ impending extinction is palpable across the country, but nowhere more so than in Aceh, where only 500 remain in the wild. Clashes in Aceh between elephants and humans are reportedly the highest of anywhere in the country. The opening up of new palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, including for ivory, and large scale illegal logging are the main causes for the increasingly prevalent clashes between humans and elephants in Aceh. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK