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It is not a strict idea that conflict mitigation measures mean elephant-proof trenches or fences. For
mitigation, we need to understand the ground situation well with sound scientific research and
share that research with the locals through appropriate participatory approaches. Only then will
conflict mitigation make sense.
Speaking of scientific research, has enough gone into studying humanelephant
interactions and the way elephants respond to mitigation measures? Do we need to put
in more resources?
In India, the majority of research on humanelephant conflict is based on ecological studies. A huge
amount of money has gone into this. But what is missing here is taking the results of those studies
to the people and environment. We tend to give suggestions in scientific reports but we do not
know how the suggestions work on the ground. The scientific community, conservationists and
practitioners must go one step ahead.
How effective are elephant corridors in connecting fragmented habitats?
In most places they are very effective. What we need to know is how important a corridor is from
the elephants perspective. A forest or non-forest corridor may look beautiful to us, but for
elephants to use it, it may not be such. Corridors are not just physical connectivities; they have to
make biological sense to elephants. For the 88 elephant corridors that have been identified in the
country, we need to evaluate what percentage provides benefits to elephant populations. Even
though these corridors are being used by elephants, what is their percentage use? We can then talk
to local people to provide more space for elephants and see if people are willing to move out of
corridors.
Corridors are not just physical
connectivities; they have to make
biological sense to the elephants.
When exactly did you start working on humanelephant conflicts in the Western Ghats
and what positive changes have you observed since?
I started in 2002. In the small area that we have been working in, in the Anamalai Hills, we have
seen a dramatic shift in peoples perspectives; they feel safer. We have not studied it yet but
according to feedback, people decided to stay because they get early intimation of the location of
elephants via SMS and are prepared for a situation. Otherwise, they would have left the place long
ago.
How do the elephant alerts you just mentioned work?
We have a team that tracks elephants every day and takes the GPS location of herds; we also get
On a different note, what are your views on the dilution of environmental laws and the
focus on development at the cost of environment in our country?
In India less than 5% of the land is protected area. People live on 95% of the land and if 95% of the
land cannot solve human problems, using the remaining 5% of forest area is not going to.
Development need not be about expansion but increasing the efficiency of what exists. Millions of
people depend on forests and we need to safeguard what remains.
What is your take on the famous Madhav Gadgil versus K. Kasturirangan committee
reports on Western Ghats?
Use a peoples participatory
approach in addressing critical
conservation issues.
The intentions are good on both sides. They must have looked at the feasibility, logistics and
wildlife interests before taking a decision. Undoubtedly, there are areas that need to be kept away
from any kind of development. At the same time, we need to look at the importance of forests for
people. But giving priorities to people does not mean that we eradicate wildlife.
Any message youd like to convey to our readers...
Science is a small part of the whole conservation field. We tend to see from a scientists perspective
but we should also look at other dimensions and use a peoples participatory approach in
addressing critical conservation issues. We need to take science to the people and share
information with them. It is not enough to do science and expect people to listen to you.
Richa Malhotra is a freelance science writer based in Bangalore.
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Source URL: http://indiabioscience.org/features/50/helping-humans-coexist-elephants