Bangkok: The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has mandated the removal of tracking collars from wild elephants following the completion of their monitoring mission. The initiative aims to restore the elephants' freedom in alignment with animal welfare principles.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sukhee Boonkrang, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, stated that the Director-General of the Department, Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, instructed relevant agencies to expedite the removal of GPS collars from elephants whose data collection period has ended. This move is intended to allow the elephants to resume their natural lives unhindered.

The department's operations regarding GPS collars, which began in 2019, are categorized into three main parts. The first phase involved fitting collars on six wild elephants to study their movements and foraging behaviors. All collars have since been removed. In the second phase, starting in 2020, 37 traps were installed to manage wild elephants and prevent them from leaving conservation areas. Currently, 33 traps have been removed, two remain, and two are slated for further action. The third phase, commencing in 2024, involves a research project by Mahidol University covering five elephants; one has been completed, while four are in progress.

Mr. Sukhee Boonkrang highlighted that the data collected via satellite provides insights into the elephants' heart rates, environment, habitat usage, movement, and dietary estimates. This information is vital in understanding elephant behaviors and mitigating human-elephant conflicts.

The Director of the Wildlife Conservation Bureau further elaborated on the department's long-term vision to manage forest areas effectively, ensuring adequate resources to attract elephants back to their natural habitats and away from human communities. The department emphasizes that elephants are not just numbers or research subjects; their welfare is a priority alongside public safety.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation reassures the public that their operations strive to balance elephant conservation and public safety, adhering to responsible technology use while respecting wildlife.