Poachers hunted after elephant killed in Cambodian wildlife reserve

MONDULKIRI provincial authorities are hunting poachers who shot an elephant for its tusks
near Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cambodia Environment Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra said on Tuesday that park
rangers from the provincial environment department found the elephant in a cashew plantation. It had been shot about ten days ago.

He said the elephant was 2.70 metres tall, 4.50 metres long and weighed about two tonnes.
“Examination of the elephant’s body showed it was shot for its ivory,” he said. “The tusks
were missing and its tail was cut o. There was a gunshot wound on the elephant’s body.

“We are investigating the case, but it was shot using a home-made poisoned bullet,” Pheaktra added. “There was a hole near its right eye that we assumed was a gunshot wound.”

Din Bunthoeun, deputy director of the provincial Environment Department, said department
officials were trying to nd the killers but have no suspects.

The elephant has been buried, but its skeleton will be put on display later for scientic research on the diverse lives of elephants in Cambodia.

In the past three years, three elephants have been shot dead or died of old age. A baby elephant was found dead after being trapped by hunters in the sanctuary last year.

“We condemn this illegal shooting for ivory, and the authorities are investigating to arrest
those responsible,” Pheaktra said.

The Environment Ministry is cooperating with partners on long-term planning for conservation of the forest and protected areas for elephants using law enforcement, and by raising public awareness.

“The ministry calls on all people to join in protecting and conserving elephants in Cambodia,” Pheaktra said.

In the protected area in Mondulkiri province, there are an estimated 120 to 170 elephants.

Cambodia has about 500 elephants living in rainforests, especially in the northeast and Cardamom Mountains. –

Please credit and share this article with others using this link:
https://www.pressreader.com/myanmar/the-myanmar-times/20190228/281767040515264