| During the recent expedition that JBS led in the Bardia Wildlife Reserve in Nepal, a very large number of wild elephants were encountered. Conservationists are delighted but alas these great creatures can cause havoc to villages outside the Reserve. In one area four houses were attacked by tuskers seeking rice and grain that the people often store in large earthenware jars.
On the night of 19th January 2012, an elephant broke into a farmer's house at Ramapur. Mr Pariyar, the farmer, tried to drive it off but tragically was killed by the beast. His widow and three children, aged 5, 8 and 12 have been left penniless. Sadly the Government does little to help in such cases and the expedition was asked if it could give some support to cover the cost of the youngsters' education. As the team had been trying to persuade local people to defend the wildlife against poachers, it was felt that they should try to assist and several members kindly donated funds that will cover the schooling until 2014.
A total of 230,000 Rupees (approx £1770) is required and our Treasurer, David Young, has kindly agreed to set up a fund within SES for this. Donations may be sent to John Blashford-Snell at Expedition Base, Motcombe, Shaftesbury SP7 9PB, payable to SES with a letter stating that they are for the education of the Pariyar family.
All help will be most welcome. | 
