RRI.CO.ID, Meulaboh - Conservation efforts for Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) in West Aceh are being strengthened through the installation of GPS collars on wild elephants.

The technology enables real‑time monitoring of elephant movements, supporting habitat conservation, maintaining roaming corridors, and preventing conflict with humans.

Acting Head of the West Aceh Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Teuku Ronal, said the GPS collar installation was carried out in collaboration with the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in Pungki Village, Sungai Mas Subdistrict.

“The installation of GPS collars is key to managing elephant conflict in the region. These collars are prioritized for elephants that interact most with villagers,” Ronal told reporters on Friday, July 17, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the tracking devices allow officers to monitor elephant movements regularly and in real time. This enables early intervention if elephants approach homes or plantations, redirecting them back to their habitat without conflict.

“This device shows the elephants’ home range in detail. It also identifies the Woyla–Teunom corridor, helping to support conservation and spatial planning,” he said.

To ensure safety during the operation, the team brought in two tame elephants from the Sare CRU in Aceh Besar to assist in herding wild elephants back to their habitat.

Ronal noted that current conflict management is largely reactive, with officers responding only after elephants enter residential areas. The GPS‑based monitoring system is expected to encourage a preventative approach, prioritizing both public safety and elephant conservation.

The initiative involves collaboration between the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Wildlife Study Center (PKSL) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Syiah Kuala University (USK), the Aceh Conservation Response Unit (CRU), and the Wildlife Response Unit (WRU) of the West Aceh BPBD. ***