An Assessment of Human-Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) Conflict in Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, Odisha, India

2 Abstract: The Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve is situated between North: 21°10' to 23 °35'N latitude latitude and East: 85°45' to 87° 05'E longitude longitude. This elephant Reserve is enriched with 7043 km km forest cover 2 which is 38.97% geographical area and 2.07 of state geographical area. Human-elephant conflict is a major issue at present. A study was conducted during July 2000 to August 2012 in Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, Orissa, India.The number of human killings (74 nos.), human injuries (25 nos.), partly house damage (734 nos.), fully house damage (211 nos.) and crop damage (3248.29 acres) and village affected (478 nos),affected family1867 and out of during 2001 to 2012 showed a higher frequency of human elephant interface in comparison to previous years. Peak depredation season were September to December and the most vulnerable time Morning and evening. Most human killing was by male elephants and depredation of crop by elephant herd due to trampling. Mitigation measures presently adopted involve traditional drive-away techniques including making noise by shouting, drum beating, bursting fire and crackers. Machans are used for guarding the crops. Combinations of methods are most effective. Family herds were easily deflected; affected villagers have suggested methods like regular patrolling by the Forest Department officials along the elephant reserve; Attempts to reduce conflict by changing the traditional cropping pattern by introducing some elephant-repellent alternative cash crops (e.g. lemon and chilli) are under experiment.