State-of-the-art technology may save Asian wildlife: satellite tracking was introduced in the continent to prove this point. Recently, an electronic microchip was attached to a radio transmitter in a collar, strapped around the neck of a rogue elephant which was relocated to a protected forest area of Malaysia. This pilot project was undertaken by the Conservation and Research Centre of the Washingtonbased Smithsonian Institute jointly with Malaysia's wildlife and national parks department.

Immense pressure put on rare animals by human population and rapid economic growth have underscored the need for satellite tracking. Initial reports indicate that this hi-tech tracking programme could help save endangered species like tigers, elephants and orangutans.

Satellite signals will yield valuable data, saFs lasmi Abdul, the director of the department of research and wildlife management. They will reveal how quickly an elephant finds a new herd, the amount of space it needs to survive and the time of the day it travels and rests.