Human-elephant interface and its management in Odisha

Abstract :Odisha lies in the ‘eastern region elephant habitat’ in India. According to elephant census (2012), about 1, 930 elephants are found in Odisha. The process of developmental activities like mining, construction of roads and railways, establishment of human settlements, deforestation and fragmentation of corridors gradually destroying elephant’s habitat. Shortage of food and water in the forest has led these animal towards human settlements leading to human elephant conflicts. Five districts of Odisha, like Keonjhar, Mayurbhanja, Sudergarh, Balasore and Dhenkanal are affected frequently. It was recorded that 515 people were killed, 808 human injured by jumbos and 388 elephant died during last five (5) years. The major causes of death of elephants are due to poaching, electrocution, disease, accidents, heat stroke, starvation and lack of water. The death of elephants due to poisoning and train accident are on rise in Odisha. Diffrent measures to prevent, control and manage degredation for minimizing confrontation between human and elephant adopted by government of Odisha. Unless a safe corridor with availability of food and water is ensured, increased anthropogenic activities near elephant habitat will be expected. This would lead to regular man-elephant conflict and ultimately death and extinct of large terrestrial animal on earth.