Elephants And Humans On ‘Collision Course’ Warns WWF
Future infrastructure projects in Asia could cause conflict between humans and elephants. Photo: Steve Evans, Bangalore, India.
A new report released today by WWF and the World Bank warns that future large-scale infrastructure projects in southern Asia will increase human-elephant conflict.
The projects, which are often internationally funded, are likely to push elephants out of their natural habitat. Elephants are then likely to raid crop fields and break down houses to get at stored crops.
About The Report
The report, entitled Review of Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation Measures Practised in South Asia, was compiled by WWF-Nepal, the Centre for Conservation and Research Sri Lanka (CCR) and the Nature Conservation Foundation.
It looks at the current methods used by humans to keep elephants away from their homes and farms in the southern parts of Asia. The report also looks at the positives and negatives of these methods.
The report found that some methods, such as making loud noises, are only effective to a certain extent. Elephants typically learn that these loud humans are nothing to be afraid of and therefore continue to raid their homes and crops.
New Strategy Urgently Needed
Because of the limited effectiveness of the many current approaches to elephant conflict, WWF says that a strategy that explains the most effective ways to mitigate the conflict is urgently needed.
“Most mitigation measures currently being used are just akin to bandaging the wounds and not treating the root cause,” said Prithiviraj Fernando, chairman of CCR-Sri Lanka. “Good land-use planning that takes both people and elephant needs into account is the only long-term solution.”
Human-Elephant Conflict Is Expensive
WWF says that human-elephant conflict also costs money. In some countries the damage bill could be many millions per year. WWF urges investors to consider this issue when planning new developments.
“Billions of dollars lined up for regional and national level infrastructural investments such as the Trans-Asian highway project and various hydro-power and irrigation projects are going to significantly increase human-elephant conflict across Asia,” said Christy Williams, Coordinator of WWF’s Asian elephant and rhino conservation program.
“Banks and investors need to show leadership when it comes to human-elephant conflict by adding mitigation options into their large infrastructure plans in places where elephants are found from the beginning.”
Full Report [PDF, 1.69 MB]
Tags: Conservation, elephants, wildlife, wwf
