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esidents of Sarolangun and Kerinci regencies in Jambi have complained about wild animals entering their villages and wreaking havoc on their plantations.

Muslim, a resident of Sipintum village in Pauh district, Sarolangun regency, said on Wednesday that this past month a herd of wild elephants had often wandered onto the village’s plantation, damaging the plants and huts there.

“We asked the authorities to take the elephants back to their habitat, so they don’t keep coming into our village,” he said.

The herd of seven elephants damaged 9 hectares of agricultural land and one hut, Pauh district military commander Capt. Sutego said. He urged residents to restrain themselves from harming the protected species.

Meanwhile, residents of Semurup village in Kerinci regency have been reluctant to tend to their fields in recent days, fearing attack by a tiger spotted nearby.

“We hope that the authorities take action soon. If nothing happens, the tiger might come into the village,” said a resident named Uwo.

Indonesian Conservation Community head, Nur Kholis, said in the past seven years 14 people had fallen victim to tiger attacks, while two people had died after coming into contact with elephants. Furthermore, 18 tigers and seven elephants had been killed by poachers.

“These incidents tell us that there is an imbalance in nature,” he said. “A damaged ecosystem causes conflicts between humans and animals.”