Wild Elephant Conservation Using Sound Waves to Obstruct Them from Plantations: a Case Study at Kui Buri District, Thailand

Abstract

A trial of the 2,300-2,800 Hz band of frequency in sound waves were made more intense in decibels (dB), similar to a firecracker or firecracker ball was made for use of the local people to dislodge and/or obstruct wild elephants from agricultural areas (pineapple
plantations) within Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand. The 3 point source was checked between 10 -50 meters, sound sources to the elephants in distances and loudness are as discussed later; firecracker balls were 151, 142, 138, 128, 119 decibels
(dB), firecrackers were 99, 95, 91, 85, 72 dB, and the frequency of the sound waves (2,800 Hz) were 85, 80, 74, 70, 62 dB, respectively. The results can be analyzed through the laboratory and fundamentals of sound wave, anatomy and physiology of mammals,
including comparisons to the standard sound intensities of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). The energy and pressure of firecracker ball is strong and were transferred into some auditory mechanisms and behaviors of wild elephants. As a consequence, the
elephant’s auditory mechanism has been affected from the energy and pressure; at least 1 individual of wild elephant had shown sensorineural hearing loss in the case study, their behavior became more aggressive and more easily angered.