Human-elephant Conflicts in Changed Landscapes of South West Bengal , India

The human-elephant conflict study conducted between 1995 to 1997 records occurrence of 62 elephants in South West Bengal , inhibiting 3 ,368 km² , in four localized sub.groups (n=26) and the group (n=36) that seasonally migrates from adjoining Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary , Bihar. Occurrence of intense crop depredation was only 5.5% of the total cultivated area available within the movement range of elephant. Landscape mosaic with cropland to forest ratios of 1.2:1 respectively had high depredation. Intensity of crop damage was higher between Sept. to Dec. (51.8%) followed by Jan. to Apr. (33.6%) , and May to Aug. (14.5%). The estimated crop loss was Rs. 3.2 crores. On an annual basis 13 people are being killed most of which occurred between Jan. to Apr. (48.52%) in post paddy season. Adult males in localized sub.groups were responsible for most (72%) of the human kills. Population management of these elephants through translocation or removal must be seen and integrated with the overall national planning for elephant management.