Measures mapped out to prevent seizure of wild elephants

BANGKOK, March 5 (TNA) - Frequent killing of wild elephants has prompted Thai Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to mobilise researchers on Asian elephants to conduct more DNA tests on wild and domesticated elephants as well as preparing genetic code for elephants nationwide. The plans are to be implemented after it was found that many wild elephants were captured and turned into domesticated elephants. Chote Trachu, Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, said Monday his ministry has assigned the Forest Industry Organisation to cooperate with concerned agencies to mobilise researchers on Asian elephants throughout Thailand to conduct DNA tests on wild and domesticated elephants to prevent seizure of wild elephants and turn them into domesticated ones. Chote said concerns were made earlier by Her Majesty the Queen as the capture has dwindled the number of wild elephants, acknowledging that DNA tests on elephants are difficult as krall operators are reluctant to cooperate on fears of charges and being arrested. Meanwhile, Worawit Rojanapaithoon, Director of Thai Elephant Conservation Centre under the patronage of His Majesty the King, said so far microchips have been attached to some 90 per cent of domesticated elephants. Blood tests and information of wild elephants have also been collected and results are satisfactory. If support on more personnel and budget is given on a continuous basis, it could prevent baby wild elephants from being captured and turned into hand-raised elephants, said Worawit. (TNA)