Human-elephant conflict in Nepal: 7 things you should know

The electrocution of a wild tusker at Khadak municipality in Sapatari district on January 9, 2021, has once again reminded us of the thorny problem of human-elephant conflict in Nepal. Local farmers who live on the fringe of forested areas are destined to face foraging wild Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ), especially during the harvesting season. The said wild animal is reported to have been electrocuted at an electric fence erected by locals to prevent foraging elephants from entering into their crop fields and village.

Every year, we read news about marauding wild elephants causing crop damage and loss of property in villages that are on the fringe of forested areas. At times, such incidents end in the tragic loss of human life or the death of endangered wildlife. Then, the issue is settled and the matter is forgotten. But, for the locals, the conflict with wild elephants is a harsh reality. Villagers, whose crop fields are adjacent to forested areas that are used by resident and migrating elephant herds, are left with no choice but to face the foraging giants on their own to save their crop.