| ..:: Human-Elephant
Conflict |
Global
populations of the endangered Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) face an
uncertain future due, in part, to their populations having been relegated
to small and relatively isolated pockets throughout their historic range
in southern and southeastern Asia. In Sri Lanka, their numbers are thought
to have dwindled from 8-20,000 to some 3,000-4,000 individuals. Resource
competition, especially over two of the most important climatically influenced
variables in the habitat, vegetation and water, is driving much of the
conflict currently engulfing humans and elephants.
Understanding how interactions
between climate and habitat can affect elephant ecology will be important
for the long-term conservation and management of the species. As extreme
conditions such as droughts repeat, wildlife becomes increasingly
vulnerable to climate variability
and climate change. In our study, we have developed a database of fine-scale
indices needed for wildlife management studies. These include a database
of climatic parameters, hydrological parameters, vegetation indices, and
drought indices.
This conflict is at the
heart of environmental conflict, regulation and protection in rural areas.
Climate affects water availability, vegetation, agricultural practices
and irrigation. All of these factors could under conditions (such as drought,
certain patterns of irrigation or
agriculture) lead to competition and conflict.
The sustainable
coexistence of humans and elephants depends on:
- The maintenance of elephant population
in numbers that ensure their genetic viability and resilience to occasional
shocks.
- The preservation of the habitat of elephants
including the proper management of dual-use or non-conservation areas.
- The development of human societies in
the peripheral areas so as to support their coexistence with the elephant
populations and the minimization of human-elephant conflict.
- The management of longer term trends
in demographics, environment, climate and land use.
|
