Human Elephant Conflict and Mitigation Measures in Kanepokhari Rural Municipality, Morang, Nepal

Abstract

The research was conducted with the aim to explore the present status of human-elephant conflict and its mitigation measures being applied recently in Kanepokhari Rural Municipality (KRM), Morang, Nepal. Ward number six and seven of the KRM were selected as the study area due to recorded elephant presence in these areas. Data were gathered through questionnaire surveys and key informant interviews, with random sampling for the questionnaires. Perspectives on Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) varied: (49%) observed a decline in incidents, 13% reported a worrying rise annually, and (38%) noted consistent occurrences over decades. Lack of habitat, lack of sufficient vegetation in the forest and migratory behavior of elephants were the major causes of HEC. Crop damage by elephant was higher in compared to physical damage, livestock damage and human casualties. The survey of 165 households showed that, there was a total economic loss of Rs2, 10,650 annually due to HEC. On average, each household were bearing the annual loss of Rs 1,483.25 due to crop damage by elephant. Paddy, maize, and millet were the primary crops, with maize notably standing out as the most frequently raided crop by elephants, particulrly in terms of its monetary value. The HEC had been observed to be tackled using traditional methods like employing drums and tin cans, raising vocal alarms, using firecrackers, and starting fires. Researching broader domains can improve understanding, aid better mitigation, and ease HEC, promoting coexistence in shared landscapes.
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