Human-elephant conflict in Assam

Context:

=> Human elephant conflicts are on the rise in Assam.

=> According to WWF-from 2010-2019, 761 people and 249 elephants were killed in Assam as a direct consequence of human-elephant conflict.

Reasons behind human elephants conflicts-

1. Reduction in forest area

2. Human encroachment in elephant corridors

Elephant Corridors- A pathway used by elephants to migrate from one forest region to the other.

Conservation of Elephants corridors:

=> Elephant is heritage animal of India.

=> So it must be conserved.

=> IUCN status of Asian Elephant is Endangered in IUCN Red Data book.

=> So elephants must be conserved.

Conservation strategies adopted:

1. Project Elephant

2. Gaj yatra initiative

3. Elephants census

Project Elephant:

=> It is a centrally sponsored scheme( partially funded by State government, partially by the Central government)

=> Launched in 1992

=> Objectives:

• To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors
• To address issues of man-animal conflict
• Welfare of captive elephants

=> It provide financial and technical support to major elephant bearing states in the country for protection of elephants, their habitats and corridors.

Gaj Yatra Initiative:

=> Gaj Yatra’, a nationwide campaign to protect elephants.

=> The campaign is planned to cover 16 elephant range states.

=> Its aim is to make elephant corridors free from human interference.

=> Elephant is India’s national heritage animal.

Elephant Census:

=> Elephant census, is conducted once in 5 years under the aegis of Project elephant. Elephant Counting Methods Employed in Census

=> The direct counting method is based on sightings of elephants.

=> The indirect counting method uses the elephant elephant ‘dung decay’ formula.

Last Elephant census was conducted in 2017. Assam has second largest numbers of elephants in India after Karnataka.

Special Initiative in Assam- Jumbo Kheti 

Farmers grow-

• Paddy
• Jack Fruit
• Banana
• Napier Grass
• Otaunga (Elephant Apple)

This is done to avoid raid by elephants into villages

Current developments:

=> Assam's forest department is planning to collar at least five elephants in high-conflict habitats in the coming months.

What is radio-collaring?

=> Radio collars are GPS-enabled collars that can relay information about an elephant's’ whereabouts.

=> They weigh roughly 8 kg and are fitted around the elephant’s neck.

How does radio-collaring help?

=> It will help in 2 ways

1. Early warning system

=> People will know which direction elephants are moving, they can prepare accordingly.

2. Study the movement patterns of the herd

=> It will help in knowing if the habitat is sufficient to fulfill the needs of Elephants.