Wildlife Research and Conservation Society
Human Elephant Coexistence in North Kanara
Photo courtesy: Mr. Alfred Jemy/WRCS
BACKGROUND
The North Kanara District of Karnataka State has a population of about 60 Asian elephants. This particular population of elephants is a descendant of an earlier generation that faced severe persecution by local communities during late 19th century. The North Kanara District has the largest forest cover in the state. Yet the landscape is fragmented with cultivation, plantations and village settlements. Although the intensity of human-elephant conflict in the district is relatively low, it is expected to rise in the near future due to increase in irrigation leading to increased sugarcane cultivation, summer paddy cultivation and encroachment. If elephants and local people have to co-exist, it is important that adverse impact of each other’s presence and activities should be minimized.
PROJECT GOAL
Through this project, we have introduced the concept of Community-based Conflict Management (CBCM) as a model that empowers the local community in effective guarding methods and in reducing the crop loss due to elephants.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Installing trip alarms along farm boundaries to prevent crop damage from elephant raids
Chilli smoke is another low cost measure that is being widely used to keep the elephants away. Elephants have sense of smell they avoid areas with chilli smoke.
Inspired by Dr. Lucy King’s experiment on bee-hive fences in Africa, we are developing low cost bee-hives in clay pots, bamoo and log-hives. This is a promising measure to keep away the elephants and can give economic benefits to the farmer too.
Flicker lights were installed along farmland boundaries to deter elephants during night time. The sudden, unpredictable flashes create a sense of disturbance, discouraging elephants from entering cultivated areas.
Lemon saplings were planted along the edges of farmland as a natural barrier to deter elephants. The citrus scent acts as a mild repellent while also providing farmers with an additional source of income.
Smelly, a natural deterrent made from fermented organic materials, was applied around farms to repel elephants. Its strong odor creates an unpleasant environment that discourages elephants from approaching cultivated areas.
WORKSHOPS CONDUCTED FOR FRONTLINE STAFF
KERALA FOREST DEPARTMENT WORKSHOP
ANDHRA PRADESH FOREST DEPARTMENT WORKSHOP
Chilli based deterrent
Smelly
Liquid
SMS alert
Trained
Frontline staff
Trip Alarms installed
Bee fence
Flicker lights distributed
93
50
844
63
257
617
13,110
Lemon plants ditributed
3345
PARTNERS
