Over 200 fruit trees planted to feed elephants in Telupid forest
Over 200 fruit trees planted to feed elephants in Telupid forest
The Borneo Post
December 3, 2024
See link
https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/12/03/over-200-fruit-trees-planted-to-feed-elephants-in-telupid-forest/
for photo.
The Community Elephant Ranger Team (CERT), through the Human-Elephant
Harmony Project, recently organized the Integrated Forest Garden Project in
Tawai Forest Reserve, involving the planting of fruit trees as a
sustainable food source for elephants.
The programme was a collaborative effort with Angels United, the Telupid
District Youth Council, the Telupid District Forestry Office, the Sandakan
Wildlife Department and the Telupid Tongod Police Station.
According to coordinator of the Community Elephant Ranger Team in Telupid,
Alvein Dee Albenus, awareness about the challenges faced by the Telupid
Borneo pygmy elephants, particularly food shortages, is still low in the
area.
“The lack of food in the forest causes these elephants to enter community
settlements and plantations. This programme is an initiative to increase
the availability of food sources in the forest for the elephants.
“The selection of fruit tree species is based on CERT’s observations and
studies of elephant dung. The seeds found in elephant dung were analyzed to
identify the types of fruits they consume,” he explained in a press release.
Alvein added that the programme aims not only to provide additional food
sources when the trees bear fruits but also to foster stronger networks
among stakeholders and the local community. This initiative seeks to raise
awareness about the importance of preserving harmony between humans and
elephants while giving the community an active role in this conservation
effort.
CERT is also seeking broader collaborations across Malaysia and
internationally to ensure the survival of the Borneo pygmy elephant without
neglecting the well-being of local communities.
The programme saw participation from over 100 individuals, including
government staff, NGOs such as Bestaria Eco Tourism Komura, Junior Chamber
International Moyog (JCI Moyog) and Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA), as well
as schools like SK Kopuron, SK Mengkawago, SK Pekan Telupid, environmental
clubs, and teachers from SMK Telupid and SMK Penangah. Community members
from various villages including Kg Liningkung, Kg Bauto, Kg Gambaron, Kg
Telupid and others also joined.
Among the participants was the 2024 Telupid Unduk Ngadau winner, Queency
Isabelle Ladzrus.
During the programme, more than 200 fruit trees were planted, including
durian, cempedak, rambutan, tarap, mango, bambangan, guava, longan, and
several napier grass plants. The seedlings were cultivated by the CERT team
and donated by attendees.
Telupid District Forestry Officer Elrimeo Emin emphasized the importance of
continuous care for the planted trees.
In response, CERT, alongside Angels United led by Mary Ann Marcus and the
Telupid District Youth Council led by Emmanuel Atin, will ensure the
ongoing monitoring and maintenance of these trees. The organizers welcome
participation from all parties in these efforts.
The organizers hope the Telupid community will continue working together to
plant more fruit trees for the elephants in Tawai Forest Reserve. This
collaborative effort aims to establish a sanctuary with sufficient food
supplies, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.