Ecology of elephants (Elephas maximus) and their interactions with humans in south West Bengal, India

Abstract

The thesis delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding the range expansion of Asian elephants in South West Bengal, catalyzing heightened human-elephant conflicts. It meticulously outlines the evolution of this phenomenon, starting from the elephants' modest presence in the 1950s to their expansive spread across 13200 km² by 2010–18. Through structured surveys and field observations, the elephants' footprint has been delineated across 163 grid cells in the region, showcasing their adaptability to varied habitat conditions. Central to understanding this expansion is the interplay between habitat factors and elephant presence. The thesis elucidates how the elephants' utilization of grid cells correlates positively with the forest edge, forest area, agricultural area, and barren land. As forests recede and agricultural land expands, elephants find themselves increasingly encroaching upon human settlements, leading to heightened conflict situations. Population estimation methodologies, ranging from dung count surveys to distance sampling, shed light on the elephant demographic in the region. However, the thesis highlights the challenges inherent in accurately gauging elephant numbers, particularly in areas where human activities disrupt their natural movement patterns. Despite these hurdles, the presence of a substantial number of immature elephants signifies a thriving population, albeit one grappling with human-induced disturbances. The thesis also sheds light to the ecological intricacies of elephant habitat use and feeding behavior. By overlaying grid cells on selected elephant habitats and analyzing geo-coordinates, the intensity of elephant habitat utilization was ascertained. The elephants' dietary preferences, encompassing a diverse array of wild plant species alongside agricultural crops, underscore their adaptive prowess in navigating human-altered landscapes. However, this dietary reliance on crops exacerbates conflicts, as elephants frequently venture into agricultural fields, triggering retaliatory measures from local communities.