Human-Elephant Conflict leaves one woman dead near Indo-Bhutan Border

Bijni: A 48-year-old woman became the latest victim of problematic human-elephant conflict in the region of 8^th Number village in (B) Sonapur near Indo-Bhutan Border on Wednesday.

As per reports, Rupali Basumatary (48) wife of Aluram Basumatary was killed at around 11 pm when she returning back home after having her dinner at her neighbour’s place.

Following the incident, Bolamguri Police Outpost, Incharge reached the spot and conducted an investigation in connection to the matter.

It is to be noted that the Human population increases and development in Northeast India have reduced and fragmented wildlife habitat, which has resulted in human-wildlife conflicts. Although species such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) cause conflict, elephants (Elephas maximus) have become the focal point for conflict and conservation issues.

An article by scholar Anwaruddin Choudhury states several case studies to illustrate the diverse nature of human-elephant conflicts. Between 1980 and 2003, more than 1,150 humans and 370 elephants have died as a result of these conflicts. Although the public and government have taken steps, human population growth must be addressed before any permanent solutions to this conflict can be reached.

Elephants cause damage amounting from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. Every year, 100 humans (in some years it may be 300 people) and 40-50 elephants are killed during crop-raiding in India.

Fatal retaliation against elephants

Such encounters foster resentment against the elephants amongst the human population and this can result in elephants being viewed as a nuisance and killed. This was illustrated in the case of >60 elephants found dead in retaliation incidents in NE India and Sumatra in 2001, poisoned by plantation workers.

Human-elephant conflict can take their toll both on human lives and property as well as elephant populations. Ways of reducing or resolving such conflicts are vital for the viable conservation of Asian elephants.

Also Read: Man-elephant conflict escalates in Golaghat