Indigenous knowledge to deter elephants damaging crop lands

Abstract

Elephant and man conflict is becoming more and more common problem in Sri Lanka. As there is no solution, poor farmers face severe crops losses due to elephant attacks. Electric fences were also not effective due to rise in electricity cost and elephants get used to these methods and there are no effective methods so far. According to several ancient literature man elephant conflict was controlled by traditional and indigenous methods. Therefore, extensive literature surveys on research articles, ancient authentic texts, ancient books and news articles were conducted. Furthermore, focus group discussions with farmers were carried to extract information on the most successful methods to deter elephants from crops lands. Several successful methods were extracted and presented here in this paper to disseminate this valuable indigenous knowledge into the present generation. Methods identified were Beehive fences in the border of the farmland and when elephant touches the wires the disturbed swarm of bees attaches the elephant get into the crop’s fields. Buffers of cultivation of Chili, which is an irritant, causing elephants to cough, sneeze and eventually turn away from the crop field. Vegetable buffer zones with unpalatable crops such as sisal (Agave sisalana), chili (Capsicum frutescens) tea (Camellia sinensis), ginger (Zingiber officinale), mustard (Brassica nigra) or oilseed (Brassica napus) is another method. These unpalatable crops may not necessarily deter the elephants, but these crops will not be raided and therefore the farmers’ livelihood is ensured. When elephants crush the mustard plants, they feel the strong smell which the elephants do not like, and they turn back and go away. In addition, these crops will provide additional income to the farmers. Acoustic deterrents were used widely which are noises used to deter elephants, either by the shock value of an unexpected loud noise, or by specific noises that are known to scare elephants. Acoustic deterrents are disturbance shooting, elephant communication and Tigers on tape are few of them. Chemical deterrents such as chilli powers and chilli pasted robes are also used effectively. Physical barriers such as trenches, bamboo spike, sharp stones are also used to deter elephants. As the conclusion the above mentioned traditional and indigenous methods could be practiced with less cost and it will also be possible to gain additional income other than the main crop.