Human – Elephant Conflict in Eastern Nepal: A Case Study of Bahundangi VDC, Jhapa District

Abstract

Bahundangi VDC is located in the northern part of Jhapa District. It lies north from the East-West Highway on the bank of Mechi River. Wild elephants were frequently visiting in ward no. 1, 2, 8 and 9 of VDC as they lie along bank of Mechi River. These were seriously affected by elephant incursion since many years ago. The problems are increasing year by year. The research aimed to identify the level of conflict between local people and elephants carried out in 2008. A total of 43.87%, 51.80% and 4.36% of maize, paddy and millet have been damaged by wild elephants. Similarly, 248 plants of bettle nut, 130 coconut and 2120 of bamboo in different bunches were damaged in the study area. The total estimated economic loss of Rs.25,45,493.8 the loss were Rs.10,96,756.8, Rs.11,03,260, Rs.1,20,757, Rs. 84,800, Rs. 1, 30,000/- and Rs. 9,920/- for paddy, maize, millet, bamboo, coconut and bettle nut respectively. Twenty one people were killed by elephants in Jhapa district in last 20 years (1988-2008) in which 8 people were killed in Bahundangi VDC. Elephants with Calves were more dangerous than others groups and the highest intensity occurred in June-August and November- December. Shouting and chasing elephants with fire flames and foggy lights which were the most common local preventive measures. Various intervention methods were used by farmers. The highest effectiveness was found to be shouting and chasing with foggy light and fire. I proposed the use of fences and sportlights be propounded in conjugation with long term habitat protection besides the government should provide effective compensation to the effected farmers, train farmers to deter elephants and formulize transboundary co-operation with India to mitigate human-elephant conflict in Eastern Nepal.