Bridging borders: insights into the human-elephant dynamics in the Palamau Tiger Reserve

This study investigates the socio-economic impacts of human-elephant conflict (HEC) in the Betla Range of Palamau Tiger Reserve. The Betla Range, characterized by frequent human-elephant interactions, provides valuable context for exploring these complex conflicts. Aimed at understanding the perception and consequences of HEC on local communities, this research utilizes a semi-structured questionnaire survey among 108 villagers to gather perspectives of the locals on their experiences with HEC and its resolution. In addition, we have also conducted Risk mapping exercises to understand the perceived gravity of HEC as a threat compared to other risks that the locals face. The research highlights frequent encounters with elephants, especially during monsoon rice-farming season, and nocturnal nature of elephant raids, the preference of elephants for ripe crops, and the limited effectiveness of community-based mitigation strategies leading to substantial crop and property damage. The findings revealed a high awareness of government compensation policies among villagers, although a significant majority report received inadequate or no compensation due to the complexity of the process. Risk mapping exercises also showed that animal raids, in particular, crop raiding by elephants was perceived as the greatest risk by the locals. Published online 25 December, 2024; Print publication 31 January, 2025