World · Malaysia Bureau
Wild elephant Sulong retreats into Kelantan forest after highway sightings
Sulong, a wild male elephant that captured public attention after spending days near the Gerik-Jeli highway, has moved deeper into Kelantan's forest reserves. Wildlife authorities said the movement indicates the animal is returning to its natural habitat.
LSN Malaysia ·
The elephant, which had been frequently spotted in areas adjacent to the busy Gerik-Jeli highway connecting Kedah and Perlis, has now relocated into forested regions within Kelantan state, according to wildlife monitoring reports.
The sightings along the highway had raised concerns among motorists and residents in the region, with authorities monitoring the animal's movements closely over several days. The shift into deeper forest terrain suggests Sulong is moving away from populated and high-traffic areas toward more remote wilderness zones.
Wildlife officials noted that the elephant's retreat into Kelantan's forests is a positive development, as it reduces the risk of human-wildlife conflict and allows the animal to return to its natural foraging patterns. The movement aligns with typical elephant behaviour when populations encounter human settlements and infrastructure.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by Malaysian wildlife authorities in managing wild elephant populations as their natural habitats continue to face pressure from human development and infrastructure projects across the peninsula.