Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) are gentle giants that play a vital role in maintaining forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds and creating pathways for smaller animals. However, due to rapid deforestation and conversion of land for agricultural concessions, their home ranges have shrunk drastically, leading to frequent conflicts with local villages.

Understanding Human-Elephant Conflict

As forests are divided by roads, plantations, and settlements, elephant families are cut off from their traditional migratory routes. When elephants venture into farms in search of food, crops are destroyed, leading to retaliatory killings. Finding a way for humans and elephants to coexist is the defining challenge of Sumatran wildlife conservation today.

Designing Wildlife Corridors

Sali Ujung Kulon is piloting habitat restoration programs that establish secure, connected wildlife corridors. By replanting native trees and working with farmers to grow elephant-resistant crops (like chilies and citrus fruits), we help secure their migration paths and protect community harvests from damage.