HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT SURVEYS

Human-elephant conflict is a huge issue across Sri Lanka, but we believe its solution involves protecting not only elephants, but people too

Project Overview

Conducting Human-Elephant Conflict surveys in villages surrounding the Wasgamuwa National Park, to collect data on the frequency, impact, and causes of human-elephant conflict in rural communities bordering Wasgamuwa National Park to identify areas for HEC mitigation and conservation actions.

Human-Elephant Conflict

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Summary

The human-elephant conflict (HEC) surveys an ongoing effort aimed at understanding the extent and nature of HEC in communities living adjacent to Wasgamuwa National Park. By engaging local villagers, the study seeks to identify conflict hotspots, common damage patterns, and community perceptions, to support more effective mitigation strategies.

Objectives

To understand the frequency, location, and severity of HEC incidents from the perspective of affected communities.
To identify conflict hotspots and the socio-economic impact of elephant activity on local livelihoods, especially crop damage, property damage, and human safety.
To assess community attitudes and perceptions toward elephants and ongoing conservation efforts

Stakeholders & Collaborators:

Outcomes and Results

Interviews with 10 villagers across several high HEC areas, revealed that 85% experienced crop raiding in the past year. Fence breaches (68%) and night-time incidents (42%) were common, with paddy, banana, and coconut being the most affected crops.

Communities expressed frustration mixed with empathy toward elephants. Local insights highlighted seasonal conflict patterns around harvests, and noted that traditional deterrents like firecrackers were often ineffective, especially against male elephants.

The findings underscore the need for better fence maintenance, wildlife corridor planning, and crop diversification. The study encouraged greater community openness to alternative solutions such as early warning systems and Project Orange Elephant (POE). Youth engagement in conservation efforts was a notable positive outcome.

The SLWCS plans to expand the surveys, pilot an alert system, and identify HEC hotspots. The study also revealed that local knowledge and multi-stakeholder collaboration are crucial for creating sustainable, effective HEC mitigation solutions.

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