In a pioneering move to address the escalating human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Assam, signboards warning of elephant movements have been strategically placed in sensitive areas adjoining national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation group based in Assam, has erected 12 signboards in strategic locations within the Udalguri, Tamulpur, and Baksa districts. These districts, situated in the Bodoland Territorial Region bordering Bhutan, have witnessed increased instances of human-elephant conflict.
The placement of such signboards aims to enhance awareness and prevent human casualties by alerting people about the possible presence of wild elephants in the vicinity. The initiative is a significant step toward fostering coexistence between wildlife and human populations.
Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a senior conservation scientist at Aaranyak, emphasized the importance of these signboards in promoting caution and safety for both people and elephants. The signages, currently in English, Assamese, and Hindi, serve as a means of educating the public on sharing space with wildlife.
The boards have been strategically positioned along the roadside of Paneri Tea Garden, Bhooteachang Tea Garden, Orangajuli, Nagrijuli, Kumarikata, Khairani, Uttarkuchi, and Subankhata. The selection of these locations involved consultations with local communities, forest personnel, and tea garden authorities, followed by surveys to assess feasibility.
“We are grateful to SBI Foundation and US Fish and Wildlife Services for the extended support,” expressed Alolika Sinha, a wildlife biologist associated with HEC mitigation and coexistence efforts at Aaranyak.
Human-animal conflict, also known as human-wildlife conflict (HWC), entails negative consequences arising from interactions between humans and wildlife. These consequences may include the loss of property, livelihoods, and lives, impacting human social, economic, or cultural aspects, as well as wildlife conservation and the environment. The installation of warning signboards is a proactive measure to address these challenges and promote harmonious coexistence.
