Wild elephants stampede through northern Malaysian plantation

Wild elephants stampede through northern Malaysian plantation
The Associated Press
October 14, 2006

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Wild elephants rampaged through a Malaysian plantation district, trampling more than 1,000 banana and rubber trees, a news report said Saturday.

At least four elephants believed to be foraging for food ventured out of a jungle Friday and tore through a rural plantation in the northern state of Kedah, shocking villagers whose livelihood depends on the crops, The Star newspaper reported.

"I hope they will not make rampaging a habit," said resident Hussin Rashid, whose 300 banana trees were destroyed. The report included a photograph of villagers pointing at flattened trees.

Villagers have urged wildlife officials to patrol the area over the next few days to prevent the pachyderms from returning amid fears that they might attack humans.

Elephants are common in Malaysia's tropical forests. Their habitat has been reduced in recent years by logging and clearing of land for development activities, causing some to occasionally invade nearby plantations and farms for food.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/14/asia/AS_GEN_Malaysia_Elephant_Rampage.php