Way Kambas National Park in East Lampung has begun developing beehive fences to reduce conflict between Sumatran elephants and nearby communities, Voice of Indonesia reported on September 4.
The approach uses elephants’ natural fear of buzzing bees and stings to discourage them from entering farms and other community areas without injuring the animals.
Brigadier General Sriyanto, chair of the park’s joint committee on elephant interactions, said the fences are part of a wider effort that includes wildlife areas, technology and community-based conservation.
The project could also support local honey farming with Apis cerana bees. The bees may help pollinate crops while the hives give people a way to take part in protecting the park.
