Human–Elephant Conflict Mitigation

Protecting Lives, Preserving Peace

In recent years, the Nilambur forest belt, especially areas around Karulai, Shankarakode, Nedumkayam, and nearby Panchayats, has witnessed a troubling rise in human–elephant conflicts. These conflicts often result in tragic consequences—for both people and elephants.

The Ground Reality

As forest cover shrinks and human settlements expand closer to traditional elephant corridors, elephants are increasingly forced to venture into villages and farmlands in search of food and water. In many cases, this leads to:

Crop raids, damaging local livelihoods

Panic-driven reactions from villagers—such as using firecrackers, drums, or torches to chase elephants away

Dangerous setups like illegal electric fencing, which have electrocuted elephants in recent incidents

Sadly, elephants—especially lone bulls or migrating herds—are now being attacked or driven back with aggression, often resulting in injuries or death

More recently, there have even been reports of tribal community members and villagers being killed by elephants, causing widespread fear and mistrust between humans and wildlife.

Our Mitigation Strategy

At Ryaan Ranch Wildlife Trust, we are developing non-invasive, long-term solutions to reduce conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.

Eco-Fencing (Planned)

Instead of harmful electrical fences, we aim to install eco-friendly deterrent methods such as:

Beehive fences (elephants avoid bees due to sensitivity)

Chili-rope barriers using natural irritants

Solar-powered light fences to gently alert both elephants and humans

Bio-fencing using thorny native shrubs and bamboo

These approaches are safe, sustainable, and forest-friendly, unlike illegal electric fencing which often violates wildlife laws.

Buffer Zones

We are allocating parts of our land to act as buffer zones—areas that:

Provide fodder and water to elephants during seasonal migration

Reduce pressure on nearby villages by offering alternative resting and feeding areas

Use natural topography and vegetation to slow down or divert elephant movement before reaching human settlements

Over time, we plan to expand this buffer zone model in collaboration with forest-edge landowners and local stakeholders.

Community Engagement (Ongoing and Planned)

Our efforts will include:

Awareness sessions in tribal hamlets and farming villages on safe practices when elephants are nearby

Distribution of solar-powered torchlights and alert devices

Training local youth as “Elephant Watch Teams” to report sightings early

Encouraging villagers to avoid actions like:

Chasing elephants with fire or sound

Using high-voltage fencing

Blocking elephant paths with plastic or barriers

We aim to build trust between forest communities and conservation efforts—by treating their safety and livelihood with as much priority as wildlife protection.

Preparedness During Peak Conflict Seasons

During summer months and harvest time, when conflict risk is highest, we will provide:

Water tanker support near known migration paths

Temporary natural salt licks and fodder pits in safe zones

Volunteers and rescue teams to assist forest staff in relocating or monitoring herds

Data collection via future camera traps to predict and prevent conflict patterns

Our Vision for Coexistence

We believe that no one wins when conflict escalates. Our long-term goal is to make Ryaan Ranch and surrounding villages a model zone where:

Elephants pass peacefully through buffer corridors

Villagers feel safe and prepared

Forest and community efforts work together to reduce tragedy on both sides

Human–elephant coexistence is possible—with the right combination of respect, planning, and education.