Puphaman National Park urges public to stop feeding elephants

Puphaman National Park has called on the public to stop feeding wild elephants by leaving fruit and other edible items for them, warning that such well-intentioned acts could ultimately harm the animals and increase the risk of human-elephant conflict.

In a public statement, posted on the national park’s Facebook page, the park said that placing food in community areas or at locations where elephants have been spotted may unintentionally alter the animals’ natural behaviour.

“Elephants can become accustomed to the scent and taste of human food, prompting them to venture out of deep forest areas and return repeatedly to locations near communities,” according to the post.

Once elephants learn that food is easily accessible near human settlements and encounters between people and elephants are likely to become more frequent.

“Therefore, authorities warn that such confrontations could pose serious risks to both residents and the animals themselves - outcomes that no one wishes to see.”

The park has also asked for cooperation by refraining from leaving food at sites where elephants appear, so that rangers and volunteers can safely and effectively guide the animals back into the forest.

The park, located in Loei and Khon Kaen provinces, called on the public to support the restoration of natural food and water sources within forest areas through appropriate channels.

This approach will help ensure that elephants and other wildlife can live freely and sustainably in their natural habitats, according to officials.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns in Dong Lan sub-district of Si Chomphu district in Khon Kaen, where wild elephants have repeatedly emerged from forests over the past two to three years, causing damage to local farms.

Most agricultural land in the area consists of ‘Sor Por Kor’ reform land, situated adjacent to the conservation zones of Puphaman National Park. Natural forest, mountainous terrain and farmland lie in close proximity, with virtually no buffer zones.

When crops, such as sugarcane, cassava and corn, mature they become attractive food sources for wildlife, especially elephants, which typically forage at night.

Authorities say understanding the landscape and reducing attractants near community areas will be key to preventing further conflict and ensuring the long-term safety of both people and wild elephants.