North Indian Asiatic Elephant Population Conflict Wrrh Man with Reference to Crops Damage

The problem of raiding of agricultural crops by elephants in the foothills of Himalayas in Uttarakhand has been studied during the period- 1995-2000. The damage to the crops is classified in three categories viz. trampling, grazing and browsing. Maize is the crop most favoured by elephants followed by sugarcane, mustard and wheat. The damage to the crops varied from 21.63% to 12.47% in the villages studied. The damage remained nearly constant over the period. Seasonal migration, competition for water, reduction or fragmentation of natural habitat, replacement of crops by sumptuous crops etc. are the main reasons behind elephant raids. Forest fires infirmity, heavy biotic pressure resulting in increased competition for fodder and the element of chance are some other reasons for elephant raids. Some of the solutions suggested for the problem are making noise by beating canisters, shouting in groups, lighting fire and torches, digging trenches and using flashlights etc. Other measures suggested are immediate stoppage of all non forestry works within the elephant habitat and absolute ban on human encroachment in elephant habitat. Control over grazing by cattle in the habitat areas, provision of a buffer belt of thorny trees at the forest boundary, ban on cultivation of tempting crops such as sugarcane, elimination of disturbances in and around the natural corridor used by elephants for movement, promotion of eco-development activities in the adjoining villages , digging of elephant proof trenche s, and providing water inside elephant habitat during lean period etc. are also suggested. Traditional electric fences are found fatal and are not recommended while high voltage non fatal electric fences are suggested which can be powered by solar batteries. Anchored mela shikar, where trained domestic elephants are used to chase away rowdy wild elephants and capture and translocation of such rowdy wild elephants are also suggested as a solution.