Assam: Aaranyak Launches Habitat Restoration Project to Curb Human-Elephant Conflict

UDALGURI: In a bid to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC) and restore natural habitats, biodiversity conservation organization Aaranyak, with support from the SBI Foundation (SBIF) and in collaboration with the Dhansiri Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), has launched an initiative in Assam’s Udalguri district.

This project focuses on replenishing the habitat for wild elephants, an area heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict between humans and elephants.

As part of the restoration effort, Aaranyak and the Dhansiri Sikaridanga JFMC have established a co-managed nursery spread over 0.89 hectares. The nursery is dedicated to cultivating native plant species of Assam, aiming to revitalize the ecosystem and enhance habitats for elephants and other local wildlife.

“The nursery has raised 27,55,000 saplings from 17 native plant species in the last two years, which will be planted at the restoration site to improve the habitat. We are also exploring the introduction of more native species to further boost our efforts,” said Dr. Alolika Sinha, Senior Manager and Conservation Biologist at Aaranyak’s Elephant Research and Conservation Division (ERCD).

Aaranyak’s conservationist Rabiya Daimari highlighted that the initiative actively engages the local community, ensuring their participation in the restoration process. By enhancing elephant habitats and providing economic opportunities to locals, this project not only aims to protect wildlife but also promotes sustainable livelihoods, setting a benchmark for community-based conservation efforts.

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