A novel approach has been adopted to ease the surging human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Assam, the state which harbors the world’s second-largest Asian elephant
population.
A network of local communities designated as the Elephant Conservation Network has been established in various conflict-prone districts in the state. Aaranyak, a group actively striving to reduce human-elephant conflicts for both human well-being and to help with Asian elephant conservation, launched the campaign.
“We have formed seven ECNs so far in HEC-affected villages of Assam involving village youths. Also, these youths were taught about elephant ecology and behavior, effective mitigation measures that will help them manage conflict in their areas and facilitate coexistence,” said Dr Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, senior scientist at Aaranyak.
ECN members assist Aaranyak in monitoring and recording various HEC incidents, such as crop damage, property damage, and human and elephant deaths, on which the scientific research-oriented non-profit formulates and implements mitigation strategies. Additionally, they help the organisation in the distribution of mitigation tools, such as rechargeable spotlights to the
affected villagers.
In response to our warnings, the villagers take all necessary safety measures. Our coexistence with elephants is being
improved by this, Says Dibakar Nayak, administrator of three ECNs namely- Samrang, Kunderbill and Volatar
of Udalguri district.
ECN members act as early warning system by monitoring elephant movement and sending out alarms to the villagers. This unique initiative is supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, USA.