Rare Asian elephant spotted in Dong Nai

A resident in Dong Nai has spotted a rare Asian elephant, known for its asymmetrical tusks, at the edge of a local forest.

The Asian elephant was spotted at the edge of the Dong Nai Forest last month. (Photo by A.X)

Van Tri, a resident of Thanh Son Commune in Dinh Quan District, saw the elephant at around 4 pm on February 24. The elephant displayed no aggression and calmly chewed on leaves by the roadside.

Dinh used his mobile phone to record the elephant, and the video quickly went viral on social media.

Last month, an Asian elephant was also found at the edge of the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve in Vinh Cuu District.

According to a Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve representative, the agency has received reports of the elephant's appearance at the forest edge. The unit coordinates with local authorities to track the elephant herd's movements.

Residents have been advised to keep their distance from the elephant and avoid conflict to ensure their safety.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported that Vietnam's wild Asian elephant population has declined from around 2,000 in the 1980s to fewer than 200 today due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflicts.

(Source: Dtinews/VietnamNet)