Analysis Of Policy Options To Convert Human-Elephant Conflict Into Human-Elephant Harmony

In Thailand the number of elephants are declining, and many of the remaining animals are protected in a network of wildlife sanctuaries. Unfortunately, elephants from these protected areas are coming into conflict with farmers. This human-elephant conflict (HEC) is causing crop damage. It is also leading to injury and loss of life amongst both farmers and elephants. This study has looked at this problem and has highlighted a combination of policies that should help to reduce it. It finds that improving the elephants' habitat, providing female elephants with contraception and using electric fences to keep elephants away from farmland would be the best combination of policies to mitigate HEC. It is also finds that, in the long term, elephant relocation may be necessary in some areas.