An attempt to recollar Freda was unsuccessful in December 2021, however the Elephant Conservation and Monitoring Units (ECMU) managed to collar another female named Quin in the herd so the group could still be closely monitored.
Beautiful Quin foraging with herd members
Freda’s herd has been consistently observed moving alongside Ginting’s herd, traversing key areas like Semambu, Muara Sekalo, and Bukit Pamuatan. Much of Freda’s activity centres around high-conflict zones near community access routes around Semambu, where human-elephant interactions are frequent.
Despite the risks, Freda’s group has found safer zones, such as the plantation forest of PT. LAJ, which offers refuge from human activity. However, conflicts persist, primarily due to a solitary male elephant who often roams beyond the group’s territory into community farmlands, leading to increased encounters with local residents.
In addition to these challenges, the presence of elephant calves within Freda’s herd adds a layer of complexity to their movements, as young elephants require extra care and protection. The group’s mapped home range spans about 180 square kilometres, an expansive area they navigate carefully to balance safety and resources.
Quin plays a unique and crucial role as the only elephant in the area equipped with an active GPS collar, making her movements essential to our early warning system for local communities. Real-time tracking of Quin enables us to alert nearby residents about the herd’s location, giving them vital time to prepare and implement preventive measures for safe coexistence. Through this system, Quin’s movements not only enhance our understanding of elephant behaviour but also help foster a peaceful relationship between humans and elephants in the region.
Thank you to Freda's adopters for your support in keeping her herd safe.
(Program run by Ministry of Forestry and Frankfurt Zoological Society).
