Managing Human Elephant Conflict − Lessons Learned

Abstract

Conflicts between humans and elephants are escalating in many parts of Africa and displacing elephants from much of their former range. The main causes and effects of these conflicts are outlined and the main management options to address the problem are discussed. For long-term management of human-elephant conflict, site-level interventions alone are unlikely to be sufficient. Action by government agencies, private sector partners, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders is necessary and should be mutually reinforcing. All the relevant technical, economic, and socio-political issues from the conflict site level to the national level must be addressed to ensure sustainable outcomes for both people and elephants.