Conservation, Elephants, and Wayanad

Like the beginning of a summer rainstorm, images of endangered plants and animals would trickle into my mind when I heard the word conservation. Yet after conducting research on the tensions between farmers and environmental conservationists in Wayanad, I realized my definition of conservation was misguided. True conservation is inclusive in that it centers on people, animal, and plant preservation and growth.

Many in Wayanad, however, are unaware of conservation’s holistic attributes because conservationists and farmers often butt heads over land preservation and animal protection. For example, human and Asian Elephant interaction has engendered tensions between farmers and conservationists. Conservationists blame farmers for stripping thousands of hectares of migratory territory from elephants over the last five decades. Not only have the elephants lost their land, but many have fallen prey to forest arson, poisoned elephant bait, electrocution by high voltage fences, and small shot charges — all actions advocated by anti-wildlife groups such as Wildlife Resistance Action Forum and Wildlife Free Wayanad.

Yet it is inappropriate to believe that all farmers unrightfully antagonize and threaten elephants. Many elephants are responsible for destroying farms and killing people, two factors that contribute to the loss of livelihood for farmers and indigenous groups alike. The first reported killing of a human by an elephant was reported in December of 1982. Elephant attacks have led to the fortification of farmer and elephant boundaries through the use of trenches and electric fences. However, the fortifications have proven somewhat futile as killings continue and endangered crops (paddy, banana, tapioca, jackfruit trees, and coconut palm) fall victim to elephant raids. It is unsurprising that many farmers become angry when hearing that conservationists are working for elephant protection as elephants threaten their own livelihood. Farmers cannot help but wonder, “What about me and my well-being?”

Fortunately enough, I have researched ways in which both elephant and humans can coexist, thus promoting the well being of both groups. For example, farmers can refrain from planting jackfruit, mangos, and bananas near their homes because these fruits are extremely attractive to elephant populations. Some farmers can even spray chili around their crops while others can use electronic elephant scaring devices that imitate the roar of a tiger; both methods successfully deter elephants. Additionally, farmers can be proactive in preventing elephant attacks by adopting gentle methods to drive elephants away and by sending their children to boarding schools, thus eliminating the dangerous walk to school. Conservationists have and can continue to meet farmers half way by handing out their phone numbers in case of emergencies involving elephants.

Profugo aims to protect animals and the environment while simultaneously promoting economic development for its communities in Wayanad. There is no reason that animals and people should threaten each other’s livelihoods. The conservation of both human and animal life is crucial, and I am thankful that I now completely understand this message!

Source Used:

Münster, Daniel & Ursula. “Human-Animal Conflicts in Kerala: Elephants and Ecological Modernity on the Agrarian Frontier in South India.” RCC Perspectives 5 (2012): 41-49.