Shrinking habitat fuels human-elephant conflict
Summary
Shrinking elephant habitat in eastern Nepal has intensified human-elephant conflict, killing 97 people and 45 elephants over the past two decades in Koshi Province. Jhapa has recorded the highest losses, while conservation officials call for safer power infrastructure, protected corridors and faster compensation.
Key Points
- Human-elephant conflict in eastern Nepal has worsened as settlements and farmland expand into traditional elephant movement routes.
- Koshi Province has recorded 97 human deaths and 45 elephant deaths over the past two decades, with Jhapa the hardest-hit district.
- Many elephant deaths were caused by electrocution and gunshot wounds, highlighting unsafe infrastructure and poaching risks.
- Officials say protecting corridors, securing electrical lines and improving compensation are key to reducing the conflict.
