RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - As a tangible manifestation of wildlife protection, the Ministry of Forestry conducts field monitoring to observe wild elephant groups using thermal drone technology. The Seblat Landscape (BAS) is one of the crucial habitats for the Sumatran Elephant.

From the monitoring results, one group of wild elephants was identified, consisting of 17 individuals, including 4 calves and 13 juveniles to adults. The presence of calves in this group indicates that the process of reproduction and population regeneration is still ongoing in the natural habitat of the Seblat Landscape.

As quoted by the official website of the Ministry of Forestry, the use of thermal drones is one form of innovation and strengthening of conservation efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Forestry to support the protection of Sumatran elephants in their natural habitat. This technology allows monitoring processes to be carried out more effectively in hard-to-reach areas, while also minimizing disturbances to the natural behavior of wildlife.

The Head of the Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Agung Nugroho, stated that the success of this monitoring is an important initial step in strengthening the conservation efforts for Sumatran elephants in the Seblat Landscape.

"The use of thermal drones in monitoring wild elephants in the Seblat Nature Reserve is a groundbreaking advancement that greatly assists the field team. From this monitoring, we can directly observe the presence of elephant groups and their population structure without causing significant disturbance to the wildlife," stated in a written statement on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

He also added that the group that was successfully monitored is just one of several wild elephant groups in the BAS area. Therefore, habitat monitoring and protection activities will continue to be carried out sustainably to ensure that all elephant groups in the Seblat Landscape remain monitored and protected.

"We hope that all parties can work together to protect the habitat of the Sumatran elephant and support the ongoing conservation efforts. The presence of the Sumatran elephant is an important part of the forest ecosystem that we must protect together," he added.

The Ministry of Forestry invites all parties to continue supporting efforts to preserve the Sumatran elephant and its habitat, so that the existence of this protected wildlife can be maintained for future generations.