On 17/6, the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve reported that camera traps deep within the Ma Da forest recorded a herd of 4 elephants, including 2 calves, at a waterhole in late May. Officials at the reserve confirmed that one of the calves in the footage was an animal rescued by forest rangers approximately 10 days prior. After its release, the calf successfully rejoined the herd.

The video shows the elephant herd descending into the waterhole, using their trunks to draw water, spray mud onto themselves, and play by the water's edge. This location is a frequent watering spot for elephants, where conservation teams have installed camera traps to monitor their behavior for research and the protection of the wild elephant population.

Approximately 1 month earlier, camera traps also captured an elephant with an uneven tusk, an individual known to travel alone, near the electric fence and residential areas in the vicinity. Beyond elephants, the camera trap system deep in Ma Da forest has recorded numerous other wild animals, such as gaur, jungle fowl, and wild boar, visiting both natural waterholes and artificial water pans.

The Dong Nai Forest Protection Department reports that approximately 30 Asian elephants currently inhabit the forest areas within the Dong Nai Reserve, Cat Tien National Park, and La Nga Forestry Company Ltd. Since 2013, Dong Nai has implemented an elephant conservation project to protect wild elephant herds and mitigate conflicts with residents living near the forest. The province has constructed 72 km of electric fencing, created 6 artificial water pans, and built 3 monitoring towers to support conservation efforts.

The Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve spans over 100,000 ha and is part of an urgent ecological conservation sub-region within the Truong Son ecosystem. In 2011, UNESCO recognized this area as a World Biosphere Reserve, alongside Cat Tien National Park, Bau Sau Ramsar, and Tri An - Dong Nai Inland Water Reserve.

Phuoc Tuan