Thailand has started a new programme to control the wild elephant population using a birth control vaccine. Last year, wild elephants killed 30 people and injured 29, and caused over 2,000 crop damage incidents. Sukhee Boonsang, Wildlife Conservation Office director, said wild elephant numbers near homes are rising fast, increasing risks of fights with people. The office obtained 25 doses of a US vaccine and tested it on seven domesticated elephants for two years. It blocks fertilisation but not ovulation. Promising results led to the vaccine being given to three wild elephants in eastern Trat province in January. Officials plan to use the remaining 15 doses in other conflict zones soon. The vaccine prevents pregnancy for seven years. After that, elephants can reproduce if not boosted again. Experts will monitor the vaccinated elephants closely during this period. Some critics worry the vaccine could harm conservation efforts since elephants are a national symbol and important in Thai culture. Sukhee clarified that the programme targets only wild elephants in areas with the highest human-elephant clashes. Birth rates in these areas are 8.2% yearly - more than double the national average of 3.5%. Around 800 of the country's 4,400 wild elephants live in these conflict zones. “If we don’t take action, the impact on people living in these areas will continue to grow until it becomes unmanageable,” he said. Besides vaccination, measures like adding water and food sources in forests, building fences, and sending rangers to guide elephants back have been used. Earlier this month, a court-ordered relocation of wild elephants in Khon Kaen province caused outcry after one elephant died while being moved. Officials said the elephant choked from anaesthesia. Athapol Charoenshunsa, head of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, said protocols were followed and an investigation is ongoing to avoid repeats.