Ginting

Ginting's herd traveling and foraging

Ginting’s group, including notable members like Quin and Indah, is highly mobile, consisting of approximately 40 elephants. Their range spans areas around the villages of Semambu and Muara Sekalo, where human activity is significant—leading to a marked increase in human-elephant conflicts, particularly between July and August.

An intriguing discovery this season has been the presence of three young males actively moving with Ginting’s group. These young bulls play an essential role in the herd’s social dynamics, reflecting the flexible and evolving nature of elephant groups. Together, they roam an expansive 235-square-kilometer territory, continually adapting to their changing surroundings.

Despite frequent encounters with human activities, the group has found relative safety and comfort in the southern part of their range. Areas near the Mendelang and Pekundangan Rivers, just south of the corridor road, offer vital resources like water, abundant vegetation, and a sense of security. These riverbanks have become crucial sanctuaries where Ginting’s group can graze and rest undisturbed.

To help ease tensions and reduce conflict, the ECMU team has strengthened collaboration with local communities along Ginting’s movement corridors. By engaging with villagers, we’re fostering a shared goal of coexistence. Regular patrols, community education, and conflict mitigation strategies are part of this ongoing partnership, working to protect both elephant welfare and local livelihoods.

Thanks to these collective efforts, Ginting’s herd continues to thrive despite the challenges, reminding us of the importance of shared space and understanding between people and elephants.

Thank you to our Ginting adopters for helping to keep her and the other elephants safe and protected in the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem. 

(Program run by Ministry of Forestry and Frankfurt Zoological Society)