ANNOUNCEMENTS
Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) in the Western Ghats of South India—particularly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka remains a critical conservation and human–wildlife challenge, despite the establishment of Elephant Reserves and corridors. This study investigates why conflicts persist in these regions, focusing on the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies and identifying gaps in policy and landscape planning.
The research employs a qualitative, multi-method approach. A systematic review of secondary sources including government reports, scientific literature, and conflict records was conducted to analyze ecological and anthropogenic drivers of HEC, evaluate the performance of mitigation strategies (e.g., electric fences, Kumkis, early-warning systems), and assess the role of corridors and reserves. These findings were complemented by expert interviews with forest officials and researchers to gain field-level insights.
Results indicate that while mitigation measures exist, their effectiveness is often limited by factors such as habitat fragmentation, corridor degradation, and inconsistent policy implementation. Elephant Reserves and corridors are crucial but currently suffer from inadequate legal protection, poor maintenance, and lack of coordination across states. The study recommends region-specific, participatory, and science-based interventions including improved corridor governance, integrated landscape planning, and stronger community engagement to reduce conflict and promote coexistence.
Key words: Human-elephant conflict (HEC), Mitigation strategies, Elephant reserves, Western Ghats.
