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Review Papers | Forestry | India | Volume 13 Issue 5, May 2024 | Rating: 5.6 / 10
Living on the Edge: Understanding Human - Elephant Conflict in Keonjhar, Odisha
Saswatik Tripathy | Kartik Chandra Prusty
Abstract: The coexistence of humans and elephants in the Indian state of Odisha has become increasingly strained, leading to a deepening crisis of human - elephant conflict (HEC). The rapid growth of state's human population, many developmental activities including mining and railway lines in the corridor escalating the conflicts. and encroached on traditional elephant habitats, the potential for confrontation between the two species has escalated, resulting in devastating consequences for both communities. This review article examines the key drivers and dimensions of HEC in Odisha in general and Keonjhar district in particular, including ecological, economic, and social factors that have contributed to the crisis. It explores the wide - ranging impacts of the conflict, from livelihood and economic disruptions to threats to human life and elephant conservation. The article also critically analyzes the various mitigation strategies and policy interventions implemented to address the problem, highlighting both their successes and the persistent challenges that continue to undermine their effectiveness. Finally, it identifies emerging issues, such as the impacts of climate change, that will shape the future trajectory of HEC management in the region. Ultimately, this review underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to resolving the human - elephant conflict in Keonjhar district of Odisha and preserving the delicate balance between human development and ecological conservation.
Keywords: Human Elephant Conflict, Odisha, Habitat Fragmentation, Mitigation Strategies, Policy Interventions, Environmental Stressors, Conservation
Edition: Volume 13 Issue 5, May 2024,
Pages: 1028 - 1034