The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict in … · 2015-08-27 · The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict in South-Eastern Bangladesh. IUCN (International

The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict in South-Eastern Bangladesh

The designation of geographical entitles In this book. and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of I UCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, administration, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication are authors' personal views and do not necessarily reflect those of I UCN.

This book is published with financial support received from US Fish and Wildlife Service and technical support from Bangladesh Forest Department under the 'Action Research for Conservation of Asian Elephants in Bangladesh (4tti phase)' Project.

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), Bangladesh Country Office

e 2011 IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the source Is fully acknowledged.

Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Motaleb, M. A., Rahman, S. M., Rahman, S. and Sultana, M. 2011. The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict in South-Eastern Bangladesh. IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature}, Dhaka, Bangladesh, pp. x + 104.

978-984-33 -3651 -4

Sheikh Asaduzzaman

Asian elephant in Teknaf game reserve

Dr. Monlrul H. Khan

Bangla Communications Ltd.

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Bangladesh Country Office House 11, Road 138, Gulshan 1 Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Tel: 880-2-9890423, 9890395 Fax: 880-2-9892854 E-mail: [email protected]

PREFACE I

The significance of the Asian elephants is now unequivocally established. The elephant is often popularly dubbed as a 'keystone~ 'flagship~ and 'umbrella' species as well as an important symbol of the planet's heritage. Notwithstanding the significance, this valuable mammal, the largest living land animal on the planet, has dwindled dramatically in the recent years primarily due to anthropogenic disturbances. The Asian elephants are found in 13 different countries in Asia. Currently, there are less than 50,000 elephants present in their natural habitat and near about 16,000 in captivity. The status of the Asian elephant is even more threatened in Bangladesh and the species has been enlisted by IUCN (2000) as 'Critically Endangered~ In the mid of the twenty first century, there were more than 500 elephants present in their natural habitats, but recent estimates suggest that the number is no higher than 220 in the wild.

Elephants used to extensively roam the hill forest areas in the South-east and North-east parts of the country. Increase in human population, expansion due to unplanned agriculture and settlement, various livelihood interventions are continuously destroying the forest as well as the core habitat and corridors of elephants. Asian Elephants are migratory mammals and tend to be territorial. When they migrate back to areas that have been claimed by human population, they disrupt and damage property, consume crops, cause injury and even mortally wound people in an attempt to recover their territory. Such confrontations are termed as 'Human Elephant Conflict' (HEC); they result not only in damage to human health and property, but also cause stress and death to the animals when they are in turn fended off and often attacked brutally by settlers protecting their land.

In this backdrop, IUCN Bangladesh has taken up a conservation initiative, with financial assistance from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), to protect this valuable species under the auspices of a project titled "Action research for the conservation of Asian Elephants in Bangladesh~ The conservation work was initiated in 2001 under the first Phase of the project in close collaboration with the Bangladesh Forest Department. The Project goal has been to protect Asian elephants in Bangladesh in their natural habitat and contribute towards the overall aim of conserving biological diversity and ecological integrity of the country. The project is now in its fourth phase, and works to better understand the issues resulting from HEC in Bangladesh at community and decision-making levels. It also aims to facilitate effective conservation and development

iii

initiatives in some selected areas of the country by improving habitat conditions for the Asian elephants and to mitigate HEC. Some specific tasks undertaken during this phase include: GIS mapping of elephant habitats, corridors and routes in Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and some parts of Cox's Bazar, and the publication of a book based on this study for wider dissemination.

The principal aim of this book is two-fold: {i) to provide selected information on status, biology, ecology and behavior of Asian Elephants based on a compilation of different secondary sources and literatures; and (ii) to prepare a series of GIS based maps on elephant routes, corridors, HEC areas, crop damage areas and elephant sighting areas drawing on the information collected from direct field surveys conducted by researchers of IUCN Bangladesh. We believe that the information presented in this book will be a useful source of reference for researchers, academics and various other stakeholders. We sincerely hope that this book will also aid policy and decision makers to act and think towards conserving this flagship species and combat the on-going conflicts.

Dhaka October 2011

iv

Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Ph.D.

Country Representative IUCN Bangladesh Country Office

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

IUCN Bangladesh gratefully acknowledges the financial support received from USFWS to implement this conservation work and compile this book. Special thanks are due to Dr. Meenakshi Nagendran of USFWS for her active support, advice and guidance during the implementation of this project.

We would like to thank Mr. Mesbah UI Alam, Honorable Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and his predecessor the former secretary of MoEF Dr. Mihir Kanti Majumder for their keen interest and cooperation to facilitate this project.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. lshtiaq Uddin Ahmad, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) for his kind support and guidance throughout the implementation phase of this project. Thanks are also due to Mr. Ali Kabir Haider and Mr. Yun us Ali, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (DCCF) and Dr. Tapan Kumar Dey, Conservator of Forests (CF) (wildlife circle) who have both shown personal interest in this conservation initiative and actively contributed with valuable feedback.

We would like to recall the persistent efforts of'Peer Group' members, Late Professor Kazi Zaker Hussain, Professor Schrab Uddin Sarker, Professor Mohammed Mostafa Feeroz, Mr. Shamsur Rahman and Dr. Haseeb Md. lrfanullah who have helped steer this project into the right direction.

Thanks are also due to all the CFs and Deputy Conservators of Forests (DCF) of Chittagong and Rangamati circles. Our gratitude also extends to all Divisional Forest Officers (DFO) of Chittagong Forest Division (North and South), Rangamati (North, South, USF and Jhum Control) Forest Divisions for their continuous support during field activities.

We express our heartiest gratefulness to all Forest Rangers, Beat Officers, Foresters and the local people of Chittagong, CHT and Cox's Bazar forest divisions for their whole-hearted participation and support during our field work.

Special acknowledgements are due to Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Dr. lstiak Sobhan, Mr. Md. Abdul Aziz

v

and Ms. Karishma Sinha for their thoughtful insights and contribution in editing this book. Thanks are also due to Sheikh Asaduzzaman for his assistance in getting this book printed.

Dhaka October 2011

vi

Mohammad Abdul Motaleb Project Officer

IUCN Bangladesh Country Office

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface Acknowledgement Acronyms

I

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------1.1. An overview of the Asian elephant 1.2. Present status of Asian elephants In the world 1.3. Present status of Asian elephants in Bangladesh 1.4. Human-elephant conflicts in Bangladesh 1.5. Context ofthe study 1.6. Scope and organization of the book

CHAPTER II: STUDY AREA ·----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

2.1. Chittagong 2.2. Chittagong Hill Tracts 2.3. Cox's Bazar

CHAPTER Ill: ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ELEPHANTS ----------------- 11 3.1 . Home range and core habitat areas 3.2. Corridor and routes 3.3. Food and feeding behavior 3.4. Movement patterns 3.5. Communication 3.6. Social organization 3.7. Social learning 3.8. Ecological importance

CHAPTER IV: ELEPHANT CORRIDORS ·---------------------- ---------------------------------- 18

4.1. Routes and corridor mapping of elephants 4.2. GIS mapping methodology 4.3. Routes and corridors within study areas

4.3.1. Baghkhali

4.3.2. Bashkhali 4.3.3. Chandanaish 4.3.4. Fashiakhali 4.3.5. Kaukhali 4.3.6. Mohalchhari 4.3.7. Pablakhali 4.3.8. Potia 4.3.9. Sukhbilash

CHAPTERV: PRESENT SCENARIO OF HEC IN BANGLADESH------------------89

CHAPTER VI: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ---- --------------------- 96

REFERENCES ---------------- -------------------------------- ------------ -------------------------------- -------------------------------- 99

ACRONYMS I

·c Degree Celsius

ANCF Asian Nature Conservation Foundation

BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

BDT Bangladeshi Taka

CCF Chief Conservator of Forests

CF Conservator of Forests

CHT Chittagong Hill Tracts

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

cm Centimeter

DCCF Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests

DCF Deputy Conservator of Forests

DFO Divisional Forest Officer

BFD Bangladesh Forest Department

FGD Focused Group Discussion

ft Feet

GIS Geographic Information System

GME Geo-spatial Modeling Environment

GPS Global Positioning System

ha Hectare

HEC Human Elephant Conflict

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

km Kilometer

m Meter

ix

x

mm

MoEF

NTFP

PA PRA

RAIN

RRA RS

USFWS

VFA

WGS

WWF

Millimeter

Ministry of Environment and Forests

Non Timber Forest Product

Protected Area

Participatory Rural Appraisal

Resource Awareness and Integration with Nature

Rapid Rural Appraisal

Remote Sensing

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Volatile Fatty Acids

World Geodetic System

World Wildlife Fund

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION I

1.1. Asian Elephant: An overview

Asian elephants are forest dwelling elephant species, described as key stone species (Shoshani et al., 2004), flagship species (Phanthavong & Santiapillai, 1993; Nath & Sukumar, 1998; Perera, 2009), umbrella species (Miller et al., 1999; Whyte, 2004) and are often called the 'engineers' of the forest, as they play a significant role in maintaining the ecosystem they inhabit and can modify it both in positive and negative ways by their actions (Perera, 2009).

The word 'Elephant' comes from the Greek word "elephas" meaning ivory. This refers to their tusks. In scientific nomenclature, elephants belong to the order Proboscidae. This word is also Greek referring to another distinctive elephant anatomy, the trunk (Elephant Evolution, 2002-11; Rahman, 2008).

Under the order Proboscidae, there are two species of elephants, the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Both belong to the family Elephantidae. There are four subspecies of the Asian elephant: Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus), Sumatran elephant (E. m. sumatrensis), Sri Lankan elephant (E. m. maximus) and Borneo pygmy elephant (E. m. borneensis) (WWF, 2011 ).

Asian elephant is smaller than its African cousin. It can be distinguished by its much smaller ears and rounded back, in comparison to the saddle back of the African species (Santiapillai & Jackson, 1990). There are many other differences, examples include the tip of lip of the trunk is a single 'finger' in Asian species, compared with two in the African species (Khan, 1985), and a double domed forehead instead of a single dome (Santiapillai & Jackson, 1990). There are some anatomical differences as well between the two species distinguished by the number of ribs and vertebrae, and in the morphology of the cheek teeth (Seidensticker, 1984).

Asian elephants inhabit a variety of tropical forest habitats from humid evergreen lowland forest to dry semi-deciduous teak forests to cooler mountain forests reaching up to 10,000 feet above sea level. They are also frequent visitor to grasslands and farm areas. The ability to survive on variable diet enables them to live in disturbed and degraded forest lands. However, they require

The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflld In South-Eastern Bangladesh

ample space for movement and can exploit different food sources. This is why the Asian elephant is recognized as an 'umbrella' species, whose conservation could ensure the maintenance of biological diversity and ecological integrity of a large swath of land. The Asian elephant has become a "critically endangered" animal in Bangladesh (IUCN Bangladesh, 2000) due to habitat destruction, fragmentation (patchy nature of forest area) and loss of corridors (IUCN Bangladesh, 2004).

1.2. Present status of Asian elephants in the world

Populations of both elephant species continue to decline in the wild as they live under constant threat of habitat destruction and deforestation, as well as illegal poaching for ivory. Being the largest terrestrial mammal, elephants do not have any natural predators, they are however, threatened by human encroachment and poaching. Because of low energy diet, elephants require large area for foraging and hence survival. Moreover, most of the elephant herds need to migrate seasonally in search of greener pastures. It also has a longer gestation period compared to other large mammals. These two attributes puts this umbrella species at risk of rapid population decline, in addition to the threats already mentioned. For example, the population of African elephants plummeted in the late 1970's to early 1980's due to ivory poaching; estimates showed that the population declined from 1,341,000 animals to a little over 700,000 in less than a decade (Douglas-Hamilton, 1989). Although in a lesser extent, but the illegal killing of elephants for ivory still remains a grave threat (Douglas-Hamilton, 2009).

Loss of habitat is another major threat to the survival of elephants in the wild. As human population continues to grow at an alarming rate, wild animals are forced to survive in increasingly smaller areas compare to their former range. The corridors and routes that once offered a passage way for wildlife to travel from one area to another are now subjected to human habitation and intrusion. Like any other large mammal, this fragmentation alone threatens the ultimate survival of this mega species and is thus a grave concern. Forests are being cut down, wild areas are being converted to human settlements and crop lands to ensure greater benefits solely for humans in terms of food and space. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that human-elephant conflicts (HEC) are on the rise. In Sri Lanka alone, HEC claims the lives of 150 elephants and 100 people per annum. Similarly, a number of countries in Africa are experiencing similar HEC, resulting in deaths of both humans and elephants. In most cases, elephant victims are financially compensated for their loss; however, there is no price that can ever make up for the ultimate loss of life, be it human or elephant (Blanc et al., 2007; Stephenson, 2007).

In global context, Asian elephant is currently listed as an "endangered species" (IUCN, 2011) and classified under Appendix I in the Convention on lnternationalTrade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES/WWF, 2004). This species once inhabited the regions around Tigris-Euphrates in western Asia, Iran, areas south of the Himalayas; occurring throughout south and southeast Asia including the islands of Sri Lanka, Sumatra and Borneo, and into the mainland China, northwards at least as far as the Changkiang (Yangtze river) (CITES/WWF, 2004; IUCN/SSC, 2008). At present, elephants have disappeared entirely from western Asia, Iran, and most of China. The present populations of Asian elephants are thought to be restricted to primarily mountainous areas in the following countries: a) Indian sub-continent: India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, b) Continental Southeast Asia: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia, c) Island Asia: Andaman Islands (India), Sri Lanka, Sumatra (Indonesia), and Borneo (Malaysia & Indonesia) (Sukumar, 2003).

Habitat loss and fragmentation continues to be the primary reason for the decline of Asian

Introduction

elephants. About 20% of the world's human population lives in or near the present range of the Asian elephant. With human numbers increasing at a rate of approximately three percent per annum in most countries, theoretically there could be a doubling of the human population in 23 years (ERi, 2008). The elephant's forest habitat has been reduced to a fraction of its former range.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that there may be only 10 Asian elephant population groups left, each with more than 1,000 animals spread across the countries mentioned (Stephenson, 2007). The extensive forests in India, where elephants roamed widely, now cover less than 20% of the country and barely half of that remains as suitable habitats for elephants. In central India, elephant population has been seriously fragmented (ERi, 2008). Thailand has cleared almost all its lowland forest areas, creating a huge void of wildlife habitat in the heart of the country. On the Indonesian island of Sumatra, vast areas of forest are being cleared to accommodate millions of people resettled from the crowded islands of Java, Bali, and Madura. Inda-China's forests were seriously damaged during 30 years of Vietnam war. In Sri Lanka, the vast Mahaweli River Valley Project for settlement, crops, and irrigation cuts a wide swath through the heart of elephant country. Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos still have considerable forest cover, but they are also suffering from unmanaged and unsustainable logging (Hedges, 2006).

1.3. Present status of elephants in Bangladesh

The past and present distribution of elephants in Bangladesh directly corresponds to the extent of forested areas, including moist deciduous, mixed or semi-evergreen forest types. The ability to survive in marginal ecosystems enables elephants to inhabit areas that have been degraded as a result of human settlement in Bangladesh. Highest number of elephants can be found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region located in the south-eastern part of Bangladesh - an extensive hilly region bordered to the north and east byTripura and Mizoram states of India respectively, to the south by the Arakan state of Myanmar, and to the west by the Chittagong district. In addition, elephants inhabit areas in Mymensingh, Sylhet, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar Forest Division (Santiapillai & Jackson, 1990). However, the elephants of Mymensingh and Sylhet forest divisions are primarily trans-boundary migrating herds moving seasonally from Meghalaya and Assam states of India in search of food.

Due to fragmentation of habitat, elephant ranges in Bangladesh became confined to small patches occupied by a single or few small herds. Some corridors have been totally abandoned due to degradation of forest cover, extension of human settlements, intensification of agricultural practice, unsustainable slash and burn practice, unplanned road construction, establishment of monoculture forests, etc. Estimations of elephant population in Bangladesh varied from author to author and elephants were categorized as resident, non-resident and captive in the respective studies (Table 1 . 1 ).

The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict ln South-Eastem Bangladesh

Table 1. 1 : Different records of elephant populations in Bangladesh

Y•r Elephant population Reference Resident Migratory captive Total

1978 - - - 150 Ranjitsingh, 1978

1978 - - - 250 Olivier, 1978

1985 - 60 - 200 Khan, 1985

1982 - - - 348 Gittins & Akanda, 1982

1983 - - 50 - Jackson, 1983

1996 151-170 42-54 Chakraborty, 1996

2000 195-239 - - - Kemf & Santiapillai, 2000

2001 174-201 19-23 - 196-234 IUCN Bangladesh, 2004

2004 151-344 - Feeroz et al., 2004 - -

2004 196-227 83-100 94 (Male: female=38:56)

278-327 IUCN Bangladesh, 2004

1.4. Human-elephant conflicts In Bangladesh

History of conflict between humans and elephants dates back to early civilization primarily over territorial possession. Likewise, in Bangladesh elephants come into conflict with humans because of inadequate space as they compete for the same habitat. This creates antagonistic feelings towards elephant conservation among people living in close proximity to elephant ranges. When elephants invade crops and settlements, humans defend their property by driving them away with fire, blank gun shots and crude bombs. As a result of this violence, both elephants and people are killed and injured. Due to persistent conflict, sometimes over generations, in many areas elephants have become a menace to people living within or near their habitat range (Kemf & Santiapillai, 2000).

One of the major causes of conflict in the study areas is agricultural crop damage. Several reasons have been put forward to explain crop raiding by elephants. Sukumar & Gadgil (1988) and Santiapillai & Widodo (1993) argue that elephants, being large bodied animals, are forced to raid crops to meet their nutritional requirements when their habitat gets encroached. Animals raid crops, as crops provide an easy source of highly nutritious food (Sukumar et al., 1987). During this study, it was also observed that the presence of settlements in the corridors inevitably diverted the usual pathways of elephants, increasing HEC. Elephants raid crops occasionally in Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, CHT North and South Forest Division (Khan, 1980; Islam et al., 1999; Aziz et al., 2005). Rahman (2008) found that elephants prefer seasonal crops such as Jack fruit, paddy, watermelon, cucumber, green chilies, sugarcane and pineapples, but they rarely attack teak, rubber, or tea gardens. Much of the crop-damage is caused by animals that move in from other areas. Khan (2004) stated that for the year 2002, crop damage by elephants was 51%, property damage 21%, and bamboo damage was 11 % of the total financial loss due to elephant attack in Bangladesh. It was also found that 39 people were killed in 2002 as a result of HEC and the highest number of human casualities (21 %) was in Mymensingh (Khan, 2004).

Introduction

Conflicts between humans and elephants have become an important issue for conservationists during the last 30 years (Lee et al., 1986). Current population of Bangladesh has increased to more than 142 million, giving a crude density of 965 people per km2• Bangladesh is a small country of about 14.8 million hectares of land area (BBS, 2008) of which 2.53 million hectares (17.49%) is under forest cover. This includes 0.27 million ha of homestead forests and 2.26 million ha of state-owned forest reserves and Protected areas (Alam, 2008). As a result, elephants and farmers, along with poor people, have become incompatible neighbors in many parts of the elephant range in Bangladesh (Sarker & R0skaft, 201 O). They cannot live together without conflict where agriculture is the dominant form of land use.

The main threats to wild elephants are human settlements, lack of vegetation cover and food source (Fowler & Mikota, 2006). According to IUCN Bangladesh (2004), HEC has claimed more than BDT 29 million as financial losses in twelve major elephant ranges areas of Bangladesh from 1997-2002 and it was also noticed from this study that 162 settlers and 22 elephants were killed during this period. Only within a year (2001-2002), the number of elephant death was reported to be as high as 14.

In the technical report-3 of IUCN Bangladesh, Khan (2004) stated that, as a result of HEC from 1997-2002, Mymensingh Forest Division and its adjoining areas suffered and experienced the highest financial losses (BDT 64,95, 100) followed by CHT North Forest Division (BDT 55,99,800). The lowest total financial loss was observed in Sylhet Forest Division (BDT 3, 14,400).

IUCN Bangladesh (2008) stated that, according to local people, there were no elephants in Sherpur area before 1 990s. Elephant attacks started after 1990s. Severity of the attacks was found to be directly linked to the crop calendar, especially with the timing of paddy harvest; frequent raids were reported between March-April and August-December which corresponds with paddy ripening time. It was found that elephants rarely attacked houses that have electricity supply. Moreover, isolated houses were more frequently attacked resulting people to avoid making houses in isolated areas.

1.5. Context of the study

In the hilly areas of Bangladesh, elephants were once a common sight. Unfortunately, over the last few decades the number of elephants has considerably reduced. Human settlement in the forest areas, absence of tree cover inside the forest, reduction of food availability are considered as the leading causes of decline of the number of elephants in the forests of Bangladesh. Since food availability and habitat of elephants are decreasing day by day due to human activities, as reflect action there are conflicts rising between forest dwellers and elephants. And now human casualty and crop damage by elephant become a frequent news particularly in the hilly forest areas ofthe country. Similarly, death of elephants from this conflict is evenly common. Conservation of the Asian elephant is very crucial since it can contribute to maintain biodiversity and ecological integrity on a large-scale. The presence of this species in forested areas indicates that the forest is rich in biodiversity and has a healthy ecosystem. But in Bangladesh, the need for conservation of Asian elephant is not receiving enough attention neither at policy nor at implementation levels, even though the conservation of this species is nationally and internationally very important. Given this backdrop, IUCN Bangladesh has been working to conserve this majestic animal in Bangladesh since 2001 under a project titled, uAction Research for Conservation of Asian elephants in Bangladeshn with financial assistance from the US Fish and Wildlife Services. We realized that practical interaction with the local communities and associated local administrations can ensure


the sustenance of the species as well as the reduction in HEC. Since the inception of the project, IUCN Bangladesh has successfully completed three phases and is now at the final stage of the fourth phase. At this stage, the activity was concentrated to improve the understanding of HEC issues at local community and decision-making levels to facilitate effective conservation and development initiatives in some selected areas in south-eastern Bangladesh. In doing so, we have developed GIS based detailed maps on elephant's routes, corridors and HEC areas. We hope our findings will be used to facilitate appropriate interventions to protect, restore and improve elephant corridors and routes in the study areas for long term elephant conservation in Bangladesh.

1.6. Scope and organization of the book

This book has been prepared to provide identification and mapping of elephant routes, corridors, core habitats and buffer areas, HEC areas in terms of crop damage and human casualties in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and CHT. Some basic information on population status and ecology of elephants has also been presented. In addition, this book provided some recommendations for the long term conservation of elephants in Bangladesh.

The first chapter gives an overview on Asian elephant that includes their present status in Bangladesh and the world, HEC issues and also the background of this work. The following chapter gives details of the three study sites. Chapter three enumerates ecological aspects of elephants. Chapter four describes the elephant routes, corridors, HEC areas, crop damage areas and core elephant habitat areas. Chapter five presents the present scenario of HEC in Bangladesh and the final chapter illustrates the conclusion with some recommendations to conserve this flagship species.

Introduction

CHAPTER TWO: STUDY AREA I

In terms of focus of this research, the study areas mainly encompass present day elephant ranges in the south-east country, which includes Chittagong, CHT (Rangamati, Khagrachari & Bandarban) and some parts of Cox's Bazar. Project sites selected in Chittagong included the upazila of Rangunia (Sukhbilash), Potia, Chandanaish and Bashkhali; in CHT, Mohalchari; Longadu (Pablakhali) and Kaukhali and in Cox's Bazar, Ramu (Baghkhali) and Chunati (Fashiakhali).

2.1. Chittagong

Chittagong district, with an area of 5,229 km2, is bounded by Feni district and Tripura (Indian state)

on the north, Cox's Bazar district on the south, Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari district on the east and Noakhali district and the Bay of Bengal on the west (Harun, 2003). The city of Chittagong is located between 22"14' and 22"24'30" north latitude and between 91"46'and91"53' east longitude (Osmany, 2003). It is quite different from other districts of Bangladesh for its unique ecosystems characterized by hills, rivers, the sea, forests and valleys. The temperature ranges from 13.S"C to 32.5"C and total annual rainfall is 2,687 mm. Main Rivers are Karnafuli, Halda and Sangu (Osmany, 2003).

The population in the city area is 2,579, 107, and the density is 15,351 /km2• Main occupation in the

Chittagong district is agriculture (Harun, 2003).

In both north and south Chittagong forest divisions, vegetation cover is sparse, scattered and fragmented. Monoculture practices such as, tea and rubber gardens are common in the north but not in the southern forest division. Human settlements are proliferating in the forest area that leads to hinder elephant movement along the corridors. Agricultural practices are common and HEC is frequent (Chowdhuri, 2004).

2.2. Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT)

The CHT consists of three districts, namely, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban with an area of 13, 180 km2

• The area is located between 21.25" and 23.45" north latitude and between 91.45" and 92.50" east longitude. Geographically, CHT is a part ofTripura Hill and Arakan Yoma branching off

The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict in South-Eastem Bangladesh

from the Himalayan range and continuing to the south through Assam and Tripura of India to Arakan of Myanmar.

The topography of the region is featured by hills, ravines, and cliffs, originally covered by dense bamboo, trees and creeper jungles, but presently deforested in many places. The hills run from south in a north westernly direction in the region. The relief ranges from 1,000-2,000 ft above sea level in the north to 1,500-2,900 ft in the south. The Karnafuli is the largest river in the region. The region comprises of six main valleys formed by the Chengi, Kassalong, Maini, Matamuhuri, Rankhyong, and Sangu rivers and their tributaries. The climate of this region is tropical monsoon and rainfall ranges from 2159 to 3048 mm a year. Mean annual rainfall is nearly 2540 mm in the north and east and 2540 mm to 3810 in the south and west. Temperature ranges from 10.2·c to 35.1 "Cover the year (Rafi & Chowdhury, 2001 ).

There are 13 different ethnic groups inhibiting CHT (lrfanullah & Motaleb, 2011; Khan, 2001 ). This is a unique part of the country, both in terms of landscape and its people (Rafi & Chowdhury, 2001). Khan (2001) stated that the region's population has increased drastically over the last 30 years. The Governmenta I census recorded that CHT's population was only 0.385 mil I ion in 1 961, 0.508 million in 1974 and 0.746 million in 1981; the current population is 1.28 million, which implies that the population has doubled in 20 years and tripled over the last 30 years (Rafi & Chowdhury, 2001 ).

The vegetation in this area is characterized by evergreen and semi-evergreen dominated by tall trees belonging to families dipterocarpaceae, euphorbiaceae, lauraceae, leguminacae and rubiaceae (Os many, 2003; Roy et al., 2000). The teak patches are planted forests and not indigenous to CHT which is a valuable tree but ecologically unsound (Roy et al., 2000). The tribal people have been traditionally practicing social forestry by using the forest resources for domestic purpose. They exploited the forest resources, but did so sustainably such that the ecosystem can renew itself (Rafi & Chowdhury, 2001). According to an estimate only 3.2% ofthe area (104,304.6 acres) of CHT is suitable for all purpose agriculture (Roy, 1992). Traditionally shifting cultivation is practiced on the hill slopes by the ethnic communities (Osmany, 2003).

Farming is the main income generating activity for the majority of tribal groups (Rafi & Chowdhury, 2001 ). Orchards and pineapple gardens are widely popular throughout the region both for family consumption and for commercial sale. Trees like jackfruit, mango, lemon, etc. are usually grown in orchards. Although fishing is not a main source of livelihood for any of the ethnic groups but is done where there is scope for it (Rafi, 2001 ). Hunting is a primary source of livelihood among some ethnic groups, especially, Bawm groups and they regularly practice it. Many tribal groups also raise cattle (e.g., pig, cow etc.) and poultry. The poultry is always kept protected from wild animals (Rafi, 2001).

2.3. Cox's Bazar

Cox's Bazar district has an area of 2492 km2 (Siddiqi, 2003), is located 150 km south of Chittagong bounded by Chittagong district on the north, Bandarban district, Arakan (Myanmar) and the Naf river on the east and the Bay of Bengal on the west (Siddiqi, 2003). The climate of Bangladesh is mostly determined by its location in the tropical monsoon region: high temperature, heavy rainfall, often excessive humidity, and distinct seasonal variations. The reversal of wind circulation between summer and winter is another important feature of the country's climate (Ahmed, 2003).

The estimated population of Cox's Bazar district is 14, 19,260. The density of population is 570 km2•

The main occupation is agriculture (25.64%). Other occupations include fishing, agricultural

Study Area

FOREST COVERAGE IN

CHITrAGONG HILL TRACTS

LEGEND -- Road

-- River

.. Forest Area

.. Kaptai Lake

l-=-1 District Boundary .... -. ._. (_ .. _j lntemational Boundary

.... ......,. ... __ _ Figure 2.1: Map showing the forest coverage In the project area

laborer, wage laborer, service, commerce, transport etc. The main crops for cultivation in Cox's Bazar are paddy, potato, pulse, onion, garlic, ginger, betel leaf, betel nut, wheat. sugarcane, ground nut, tobacco, rubber, vegetables (Siddiqi, 2003).

Main forest areas are Phulchhari Range, Bhumaria- ghona Range, Meher- ghona Range, Baghkhali Range (Siddiqi, 2003). Vegetation covers at Teknaf, Shilkhali, Rongikhali forest block is sparse, which is considered a major threat to elephant population because most of the hill forests remain exposed due to the lack of trees (Chowdhuri, 2004). In Cox's Bazar south Forest Division, Teknaf forest block was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary (previously game reserve) that is now in a degraded state in terms of forest canopy. The total reserve was 11,615 ha with semi evergreen

The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict In South-Eastern Bangladesh

forests. In the north Forest Division forest cover is fragmented due to the construction of roads, highways and human settlement. In Fasiakhali forest block, the vegetation cover is good and it also provides shelter and food for elephants throughout the year. Monoculture rubber plantation was introduced near Bhomariaghona which has closed the elephant corridor for movement.

Study Area

CHAPTER THREE: ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ELEPHANTS I

3.1. Home range and core habitat areas

Asian elephant lives in a wide variety of habitats, including savanna, scrub forest, and closed-canopy forest. They also inhabit grasslands, tropical evergreen forest, semi-evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forest and dry thorn forest, in addition to cultivated and secondary forests and scrublands. Previous studies have found that elephants prefer lowland forest habitats (Kinnaird et al., 2003; Hedges et al., 2005; Azad, 2006; Pradhan & Wegge, 2007) where nutritious foliage is abundant. Elephants have a strong preference for forests with high productivity located within valleys (Rood et al., 2010). Landscape depressions are also natural waterways providing water sources and natural routes crossing through rugged terrain (Pan eta/., 2009; Shannon et al., 2009). Forest dwelling elephants are seen from sea level to elevations of over 4,000m (Grimshaw et al., 1995 and Chaudhuri, 1999). According to the USFWS (2002), grassland forest-mosaics are considered optimal habitats and in such areas, as many as five elephants per 1 km2 (0.38 square mile) have been recorded.

The size of the home ranges of Asian elephant vary considerably. For females it is between 34-800 km2 and for males 200-235 km2

• However, home ranges of elephant can cover thousands of square kilometers (Sukumar, 2003). These variations in home ranges can be determined through habitat type, individual preference, tradition, inter family relationships and gender ratio. Grasslands are the preferred feeding habitat of elephants. However, for movement, resting, shade, breeding and other purposes Asian elephants need other types of habitats. The use of grasslands by elephants is determined by different factors such as, species composition, density of other herbivores, distance of grazing locations from the forest boarder and proximity of grazing locations to drinking sites (lshwaran, 2001 ).

In Bangladesh, core habitat areas for elephants are located at CHT, Cox's Bazar and some parts of Chittagong forest divisions. Elephant distribution is governed by the allocation of human settlement, both past and present (Barnes et al., 1991 ). In Cox's Bazar, it was observed that elephants take rest inside deep valleys with dense forest cover. They prefer bushy area for resting and grazing. Elephants require large amounts of water for drinking and cooling their body and to do so they tend to stay in proximity to water sources. They use hill stream water and mud found inside the forest to wallow in.


3.2. Corridor and routes

Asian elephants are migratory species. They can move over considerable distances even within a short period of time (Sukumar, 1989a). In the wild, elephant herds follow well-defined seasonal migration routes. The survival of this species largely depends on corridors and routes because it

allows elephants to safely migrate, access food sources and establish crucial genetic links between herds (Joshi & Singh, 2009). The eldest female guides the group to follow the traditional migration

routes. The presence of traffic on the road, construction of steep retaining walls and the presence of human population along the corridor and routes can limit the migration of elephants (Johnsingh & Williams, 1999).

3.3. Food and feeding behavior

Elephants are classified as mega herbivores and consume up to 150 kg of plant matter per day, (McKay, 1973;Vancuylenberg, 1977) they also drink around 140 liters of water a day (Ciszek, 1999). The Asian elephants diet constitutes of a large variety of plant species. They typically prefer to eat grass, but also like roots, leaves, vines, shrubs, stems and barks (Sukumar, 1990). According to USFWS (2002), grass typically accounts for more than 50% of the Asian elephant's diet. However, Joshi & Singh (2008) contradicts that the consumption of tree species (74%) is much higher compared to grasses (14%) and shrubs (8%), but their diet is mainly dependent on the availability of seasonal food around the year and during migration. Table 3.1 shows the list of suitable species

for elephant diet and the parts consumed.

Table 3.1 : List of plant species favored by elephants as their daily food in the wild (IUCN Bangladesh, 2004; Joshi & Singh, 2008)

Beng•ll Engllsh Sclantlftc nlllM F•mlly Parta811tenby n•m• nmme •l•ph•nt

Khoir Cutchtree Acacia catechu Mimosaceae Leaves, twigs and bark

Bel Wood apple Aegle marmelos Rutaceae Leaves, twigs and fruit

Kala koroi Black siris Albizia /ebbeck Mimosaceae Leaves and twigs

Sada koroi White siris Albizia procera Mimosaceae Leaves and twigs

Cha palish Cha plash Artocarpus chama Moraceae Fruits and leaves

Kanthhal Jack friuit Artocarpus heterophyllys Moraceae Leaves, bark and fruit

Deua Monkey jack Artocarpus /acucha Moraceae Fruit

Node, leaf, newly

Ban sh Bamboo Bambusasp. Gramineae sprouting branch, matured branch, entire bamboo when young

Kanchan Kanchan Bauhinia purpurea Caesalpiniaceae Leaves, twigs and bark

Shimul Red silk Bombax ceiba Malvaceae Bark cotton tree

Ecological Aspects of Elephants

Bangall Engllah name name

Jambura Pummelo

Narikel Coconut

Bo ha I Indian cherry

Durba Caugh grass

Chhon Umbella plant

Sissoo Sissoo

Lathi bansh Solid bamboo Kush a Big cordgrass Matealu Purple yam

Chamror Ovate-leaved Ivory wood

Botgach Banyan tree

Dumur Fig

Boichi ful Indian plum

Antmura Indian screw-fruit

Misti alu Sweet potato

Jarul Crepe myrtle

Aam Mango

Muli bansh Muli bambo

Dakrom Kaim

Kola Banana

Kash Wild sugarcane

Kus um Kusum tree

Sal Sal

Jam Black berry

Shegun Teak

Fuljharu Tiger grass

Boroi Jujube fruit

Sclantlftc name Famlly Parts eaten by elephant

Citrus grandis Citraceae Fruit

Cocos nucifera Palmae Leaf and fruit

Cordia dichotoma Boraginaceae Twigs

Cynodon dactylon Gramineae Leaves and roots

Cyperus difformis Cyperaceae Entire plant

Dalbergia sissoo Fabaceae Leaves, twigs and bark

Dendrocalamus strictus Gramineae Leaves and twigs Desmostachya bipinnata Gramineae Leaves and roots Dioscorea alata Dioscoreaceae Root and leaves

Ehretia /aevis Boraginaceae Leaves and twigs

Ficus benghalensis Moraceae Leaves, twigs and bark

Ficus hispida Moraceae Leaves, twigs, bark and fruit

Flacourtia indica Flacourtiaceae Twigs and bark

Helicteres isora Sterculiaceae Leaves and twigs

lpomoea batatas Convolvulaceae Fruit and leaf

lagerstroemia speciosa Lythraceae Leaves and twigs

Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae Fruit

Node, leaf, newly sprouting branch,

Me/ocanna baccifera Gramineae matured branch, if immature, then the entire bamboo

Mitragyna parvifolia Rubiaceae Bark

Musasp. Musaceae Trunk, leaf, fruit, but not the root

Saccharum spontaneum Gramineae Leaves, roots

Schleichera oloeosa Sapindaceae Leaves and twigs.

Shorea robusta Dipterocarpeceae Bark

Syzygium sp. Myrtaceae Leaves, twigs and bark

Tectona grandis Verbenaceae Bark and twigs

Thysanolaena maxina Gramineae Entire plant

Zizyphus mauritiana Rhamanaceae Leaves and twigs


In the wild, a mature elephant would spend as many as 18 hours per day for feeding. Asian elephants eat in the morning, late afternoon and night. They take breaks from feeding during the hottest parts of the day. Obviously the food consumed in the wild is low in nutrients and high in fiber (John & Subramanian, 1991 ), which entiles them to spend so much time on feeding.

Asian elephants have a special digestive system for rapid throughput of coarse vegetation and are adapted to a lifetime of foraging. Effective foraging is attained through continuous movement including, seasonal migrations and daily movement through a variety of habitats. Foraging activity is accomplished with the coordinated movement of feet, tusks and their dexterous trunk to select individual items of fruit (Poole & Granli, 2009). Asian elephants use many creative methods to retrieve their food. To eat long grasses they pluck a bundle and stick it inside their mouths using their trunks. Short grasses are eaten by stomping and kicking up the ground and then grabbing the grass using their trunks. To eat shrubs they break off twigs with their trunks (Ciszek, 1999; Poole & Granli, 2009). According to McKay (1973), elephant grazing in the dry season is negatively impacted by the presence of other herbivores. Elephants feeding preferences and behavior are also known to change over time due to changes in its habitat (lshwaran, 2001 ).

3.4. Movement pattern

Movement patterns of wild elephants may vary according to their age, sex, reproductive state and population of a group. Free-living Asian elephants move almost all day long and even at night (20 out of every 24 hours) and are actively engaged in foraging, exploring, socializing and searching for con-specifics (Poole & Granli, 2009). Generally elephants rise well before dawn and start their morning activities in the vicinity of the area where they spent the night (Joshi & Singh, 2008). In case of elephant, the energy spent on walking is recorded as the lowest among all land animals (Langman et al., 1995). Its behavior is geared towards saving the energy (Wall et al., 2006). Being an enormous animal, Asian elephants tend to move slowly but they are vigorous and are continuously active both physically and mentally. By nature, elephants are rarely found still; some portion of their body (i.e., legs, ears, eyes, trunk, or tail) is always in motion. Even a motionless wild elephant is often found continuously moving its trunk and scenting; positioning its ears and head to monitor the movement, location and behavior of other elephants and their activities in their complex social and ecological environment. These types of motions are good predictors and indicators of active thinking (Poole & Gran Ii, 2009).

Availability of food, water, as well as climate and seasons determine the location of an elephant's their home range. Typically during the dry winter months (January-April) Asian elephants reside in river valleys. At the onset of monsoon, they begin their long migration towards upper slopes in some of the areas (Joshi & Singh, 2008). Their day to day movement and resting patterns tend to fluctuate during monsoon due to restricted mobility. During the first part of the wet season (May-August) they reside in tall grass forests. Over the second part (September-December) they move to open forests with short grass cover (Sukumar, 1989b). In summer, elephants move more as they have to travel longer in search of food and water, due to reduction of fodder species and shrinkage of natural water sources (Joshi & Singh, 2008). Sometimes, when habitat patches with fodder plants become small and scattered, they have to extend their range to satisfy dietary requirements. This invariably brings them into conflict with humans, which is the main constraint in conserving these elephants (Samansiri & Weerakoon, 2007). A study pointed out that most of the incidents of crop raiding were found to be in late evening or during night time (Nair, 1990).


In another study indicated that most of the raids by elephants were carried out either by a solitary individual (adult males) or small groups (Santiapillai & Suprahman, 1986).

Predictor variables such as, human presence and proximity to elephants resulted in reduced feeding and increased display in elephants while distance of settlements to elephants did not influence behavior of elephants. Protection and non-conversion of canopy habitats and maintaining minimum threshold distance of humans from elephants would foster normal movement activities of elephants and help promote human-elephant coexistence in such landscapes (Mavatur & Singh, 201 O).

3.5. Communication

Asian elephants use infrasonic calls to communicate with each other (Payne et al., 1986). The ability of elephants to distinguish strangers from a wide range of more regular associates through recognition of voices (McComb et al., 2000) and scents (Bates et al., 2007) may in part explain the extremely large and convoluted temporal lobes of the elephant's brain (Shoshani, 1992). Different types of communications used by elephant can be as follows:

Acoustic communication

Elephant acoustic communication includes a broad variety of sounds (with components ranging from 5 Hertz to over 9,000 Hertz (Poole et al., in press). Calls include very low frequency rumbles and higher frequency trumpets, snorts, roars, screams, barks, cries, chirps, croaking and other idiosyncratic sounds {Poole et al., 1988; Poole, 1994; Soltis et al., 2005 a & b; Leong, et al., 2003; Stoeger-Horwath et al., 2007). Elephants use acoustic signals to communicate complex messages of agonistic, defensive, associative, parental, mating, and other social nature. They are able to combine different call types to construct more complex calls and are capable of imitating or learning new vocalizations (Poole et al., 2005).

Via acoustic signals elephants can recognize the individual voices of other elephants at distances of up to 2 km (McComb et al., 2003). Detection of the calls of con-specifics has been estimated to vary from 2.2 km during daytime to 9.9 km at night (or over an area of 15-300 km2) depending upon atmospheric conditions (Garstang, 1994). Extensive studies have confirmed that elephants produce low frequency sounds to interact in thick vegetation and among separated groups, and to coordinate their movements (Payne et al., 1986; Poole et al., 1988; Langbauer et al., 1991; Garstang et al., 1995; Larom et al., 1997; McComb et al., 2000). Elephants are the first terrestrial mammals reported to produce infrasonic sound (Payne, 1998). Infrasonic calls produced by elephants can travel 1-5 km or even more {ANCF, 2007).

Chemical communication

Chemical communication relates to signaling between opposite sexes for mating. Olfactory communication is achieved by pheromones {ANCF, 2007). Chemical signals including saliva, mucus secretions from the eyes, fluids from the genital tracts, temporal glands, ears and inter-digital glands, also play an essential role in elephant social and reproductive communication (Rasmussen et al., 1996; Rasmussen & Schmidt, 1998; Rasmussen & Krishnamurthy, 2000 and Rasmussen & Wittemyer, 2002).


Tactile communication

Tactile communication happens through sight and touch mainly during breeding period. When elephants meet, they vocalize, rub their bodies, press each other's foreheads, intertwine trunks or put trunks in each other's mouths (ANCF, 2007).

3.6. Social organization

Asian elephants can be categorized into families, bond groups and clans (McKay, 1973; Kurt, 1974; Sukumar, 2003 and Vidya & Sukumar, 2005).

i. The size of the basic family unit can range from four to twelve individuals. The social structure of female Asian elephants consists of related adults and their offspring. These groups are led by the eldest female, called the matriarch. A dominant hierarchical system determines the social status of each individual in the group. This system is based on age and physiological status (Schulte, 2000). The cohesiveness of families varies depending upon factors, such as, habitat type, season, relatedness, personality traits, tradition, deaths of influential members and the strength of the matriarch's leadership (Moss & Lee, in press).

ii. Over the course of hours or days, family groupings may temporarily separate and reunite or they may mingle with other social groups to form larger social units or aggregations. Such groupings may be predicated on close social bonds, home range and season (Douglas- Hamilton, 1972; Moss, 1983; Sukumar, 2003; Wittemyer et al., 2005; Archie et al., 2005 and Moss & Lee, in press). A bond group is two or more family units who associate with one another at high frequency relative to their associations with other family units in the population and whose members display associative behavior towards one another (Moss, 1983).

iii. Though rare in the Asian elephant, family units have been reported to meet and greet other units. Sometimes units come together to form clans (Schulte, 2000). A clan can consist of anywhere from twenty to two-hundred individuals (Sukumar, 1989b). However, inside these clans, each family unit is still held together very closely by the matriarch (Schulte, 2000).

Within this social arena, the lives of adult female and male elephants differ radically (Poole, 1994). Female elephants remain with their families for life, while male elephants leave their natal families around puberty, at which point they enter the socio-sexual world of adult males. Members of a family and bond group may be distinguished by long-term association patterns, greeting behavior, coordinated movement, resource acquisition, offspring care, decision-making, strong associative and protective behavior toward one another as well as cooperative anti-predator behavior (Douglas-Hamilton, 1972; Lee, 1987; Moss, 1988; Poole, 1998; Payne, 2003). In areas where water, minerals or high quality food are limited, or unevenly distributed, agonistic behavior in elephants is more common (Poole, 1994). The close and lasting social relationships formed by female elephants are remarkable in the context of their fluid social system (Archie et al., 2005).


3.7. Social learning

Social learning and behavioral innovation are essential elements of individual development and are the very fabric of elephant society, tradition and culture (Lee & Moss, 1999; Poole & Moss, 2008). Many of the techniques used by wild elephants to locate, select and extract food must be learned, either through experience or by watching others (McComb eta/., 2003) and social learning plays a critical role in a calves' acquisition of foraging knowledge and techniques of manipulating food items (Lee & Moss, 1999; Hart eta/., 2001 ). Successful mounting and intromission requires considerable skill and experience which may, in part, be gained by watching the behavior of older, more experienced males. Interaction with other elephants and the transmission of social and ecological knowledge is key to an elephant's survival (McComb et al., 2003) and the motivation it demands isnecessary for an elephant to thrive.

3.8. Ecological importance

Asian elephants often physically transform the forest as they move through it, contributing to the ecological functioning of the forest. They create light gaps by knocking down trees; they keep the undergrowth clear by trampling vegetation and speed decomposition by shattering rotting logs (RAIN, 201 O). Elephants can provide water for other species by digging water holes in dry riverbeds. The depressions (created by their footprints and their bodies) trap rainfall. Their paths also act as firebreaks and rain water channel (RAIN, 201 O). Elephants act as seed dispersers via their fecal matter (Chapman eta/., 1992). They disperse seeds and fertilize the soil with their dung, compact it with their feet and cultivate it with their tusks. By digging for essential minerals they change stream flow, creating wet forest clearings (RAIN, 201 O). Dispersing rice seeds through defecation elephants sometimes introduce new types of rice far from the villages they raid (Alexandre, 1978). An elephants' journey through the high grass provides food for birds by disturbing small reptiles, amphibians or insects (RAIN, 201 O; IUCN Bangladesh, 2004).


CHAPTER FOUR: ELEPHANT CORRIDORS I

4.1. Route and corridor mapping of Asian elephants

By definition, routes are usually pathways used by elephants to migrate for food and habitat, while corridors are strips of land that connect two or more of those habitats. Field observations revealed that most of the routes and corridors of elephants have been obstructed or shattered because of development activities such as human settlement, conversion of forest cover into crop fields, construction of roads. In most cases, it was observed that the habitats, especially natural forest areas, have been destroyed solely to favor people's benefits ultimately putting the largest land mammal in peril. Fortunately or unfortunately, elephants cherish their forefather's routes and corridors from time immemorial.

Habitat destruction, burgeoning human population, lack of awareness and lack of good scientific information are the major threats and challenges to the long term survival of the remaining elephant population in Bangladesh. Given the importance of this keystone species it is imperative to preserve this species and its habitat with ultmost sincerely. It is also very important to know and denoted their habitat, routes of migration and corridors they use to facilitate this conservation.

Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is an effective tool for managing, analyzing and visualizing wildlife data in order to target areas where conservation practices are needed. Global Positioning System (GPS), GIS together with Remote Sensing (RS, which includes both satellite images and aerial photographs) allow conservationists to apply geo-information technique to design effective natural resources management systems and to set precedence for the conservation of endangered/vulnerable species and their habitat. In this study, we used GPS, GIS and RS technology to define the routes, corridors, HEC sites and sighting locations of elephants. We believe that our findings will be useful for decision makers to tackle HEC effectively for the long term conservation of elephants in Bangladesh. This chapter portrays the generated route and corridor maps along with detailed description of the study sites including topographical features ofthe habitats and expansion of human settlement as well as agricultural land.

Elephant Corridors

4.2. GIS mapping methodology

At first reconnaisance survey was conducted in elephant-ranges areas that were suggested by peer group members (FD officials, wildlife biologists, professors, academicians, researchers, etc.) involved in this project. Based on their consulatation and suggestions, nine sites were selected for detailed GIS mapping. GPS data on elephant routes, corridors, HEC areas, elephant sighting locations (e.g., location of crop damage) in Chittagong, CHT and Cox's Bazar were collected during field visits using Garmin E-Trex (GPS device ). Strip transect method was used, the average length of which was about 5 km (ranges 3.5-7 km) and a total of 40 transects in nine sites were studied. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) were conducted to verify and validate GPS data collected on stated parameters. The GPS data were verified via local level participatory discussions, local people of the HEC affected areas were involved to identify the routes and corridors in their respective Unions (smallest administrative rural geographic unit). Collected GPS data were overlaid on online Google Earth image and showed to local people to identify during RRA and PRA. This visualization facilitated to identify routes and corridors of elephants to the participants during participatory sessions as they can relates them to the local infrastructure even their own settlements. This process not only ensured proper validation and greater improvement of routes and corridor identification but also revealed many unknown facts of elephant migration to the local participants, which helped them to become aware of the importance of conservation.

Field Data Collection and Consultation

Participatory Discussions with Local People Regarding Elephant Movement and HEC

+ '-1-----'' Pllrtf~~wfth Velldatlon of GPS Data , . · ,,.;;.;~d·~j111

Gao-spatial Processing of Collected GPS Data (In ArcGIS Pllltform)

+ Finalizing Exact Routes and Corridors

of Asian Elephant

+ Landuse/ Landcover Generation Using

High Rasolutlon Satalllta Images (Google Ellrth)

+ Gao-spacial Database Preparation

(Reg•rding Routes. Corridors. HEC, Eleph•nt Seen Sites. Extent of Corp DMl•ge and Buffer ArH of the Corridors)

Map Preparation (Specific FHtunt Maps with B•se M•p for Ellch Site)

Elepldint Movement and HEC

Expert Judgmmt (Wlldllf9 Blologlllt)

Figure 4.1: Flow diagram of the GIS mapping procedure.

The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict Jn South-Eastem Bangladesh

The HEC sites were identified by regular field visits and then verified by consultation with local people and local FD officials. Advanced GIS and integrated spatial analysis were executed using Geo-spatial Modeling Environment (GME) extension tool in ArcGIS to finalize the routes and corridors.

Expert suggestions were incorporated to finalize the routes and corridors used by elephants in the study areas. Detailed land use/ land cover maps for the selected sites were generated utilizing high resolution (Spatial Resolution: - 0.5m) satellite images which were obtained from Google Earth platform (Google Earth Version 5.0.11 ).

The generated GIS layers were set into geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude) on the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84) datum to maintain data uniformity and integrity with Google Earth. The attribute data were then incorporated into generated GIS data layers to develop a gee-spatial database on routes, types of corridors, HEC (i.e., number of human casualties and injury), elephant sighting locations, buffer areas of corridors, etc. Final layouts of the specific site maps along with their associated features were then accomplished in ArcGIS platform.

To measure the buffer area for elephant corridors, 0.25 km area in both sides of elephant routes (total 0.5 km) is considered. Frequent and irregular elephant movements were obtained through direct field observations, key informant interviews and focused group discussions.

4.3. Routes and corridors in the study areas

It was found that elephant movement becomes more frequent during crop harvesting seasons compared to other times of the year. Routes and corridors mapped during this study and the detailed outcome of our observations in different study sites are illustrated below in the following sections (Map 4.1-4.62) and a summery is also provided in the Table 4.1.

4.3. 1. Baghlchali

Baghkhali forest range is situated under three administrative districts namely Bandarban, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar. It covers Docchari, Naikongchhari, Kachhapia, Garjania & Kauarkhop Unions of the above three districts. Map 4. 1 to 4.7 shows different features of this area including a base map. During the field visit eleven elephant movement sites were found in Baghkhali (Map 4.5). Among these regions nine seasonal movements and two rare ones were observed. Elephant movement was observed to be frequent in nine sites, but was limited in the remaining two due to human settlements and other anthropogenic activities. HEC was found in ten locations (Map 4.6), at these locations about seven people were found injured and two people had died in the last ten years (2000-201 O). It was also revealed that HEC was mainly due to the establishment of human settlement and agricultural practice along elephant migration and movement routes in all except three areas. Formerly three routes for elephant movement along with the forest patches were detected (Map 4.2). These routes originate from within the deep forest. In this area nine active corridors (Map 4.3) of different dimensions were found, of which four major active corridors are as follows:

• Dochhari-Kachhapia 1, located between 21°26'5"N 92°13'47.3"E and 21°24'41 "N, 92°12 '21 .01 "E, and runs through agricultural and human settlement areas. Its total length was 3.85 km and estimated buffer area was 78.06 ha. Two HEC sites were found.

Elephant Corridors

• Dochhari-Kachhapia 2, located between 21°26'48.538"N 92°13'47.3"Eand 21°26'19.498"N 92°10'44.77''E, and runs through agricultural and human settlement areas. Its total length was 5.081 km and estimated buffer area was 103.91 ha. Two HEC sites were found in this corridor.

• Nikhongchhari-Shandung 1, located between 21°23'35.214"N 92°11 '27.915"E and 21°25'0.365"N 92°10'56.386"E and runs through agricultural land. Its total length was 1.42 km and estimated buffer area was 32.05 ha.

• Nikhongchhari-Shandung 2, located between 21°23'48.459"N 92°10'35.643" E and 21°23'56.786"N 92°11 '21.277''E1 runs through agricultural land. Its total length was 1.30 km and estimated buffer area was 30.21 ha.

There was no abandoned corridor in this area. The total estimated buffer area of those corridors was 280.29 ha (The length of buffer area is highest 103.91 and lowest 4.21 ha) (Map 4.4). From the findings it was evident that this area was suitable for elephant mobility and yet they were quite undisturbed.

4.3.2. Bashlchali

Bashkhali is located in Kakhara and Lakhyarchar union of Cox's Bazar and Gajalia union of Bandarban Hill district. Map 4.8 to 4.14 shows different features of this area including a base map. Six sites were found where elephants move frequently over the seasons (Map 4.12). Six HEC sites are found (Map 4.13) in this area where One human death and about six injuries by Asian elephants were recorded. Seven active corridors (Map 4.10) were found, four of which were major. These are as follows:

• Gajalia-Kakhara 1, located between 21° 46'41.64" N 92° 8'3.953" E and 21° 46'36.227"N 92"7'30.033"E, runs through agricultural land. Its total length was 0.947 km and estimated buffer area was 22.54 ha. One HEC site was found. due to HEC amount of crop damage was found to be high.

• Gajalia-Kakhara 2, located between 21°46'47.053" N 92°6'20.026" Eand 21°46'57.879"N 92° 6'1.623"E, runs through agricultural land. Its total length was 0.606 km and estimated buffer area was 15.41 ha. Two HEC sites were found. Crop damage was found due to HEC.

• Gajalia-Kakhara 3, located between 21° 47'17.365" N 92° 5' 44.301" E and 21 "47'22.417" N 92°5'38.888"E, runs through Forest and Agriculture land. Its total length was 0.144 km and estimated buffer area was 9.79 ha. One HEC site was found.

• Kakhara-Aziznagar, located between 21° 47'42.986"N 92"5'18.68"E and 21°47'49.121 "N 92°5'12.185"E, runs through Forest and Agriculture land. Its total length was 0.258 km and estimated buffer area was 8.57 ha.

The total buffer area in the corridor was about 149.45 ha (highest 22.54 ha and lowest 4.64 ha) (Map 4.11 ). There were no abandoned corridors at this site. From Focused Group Discussions (FGD) and one-to-one discussions it was found that crop raiding tendency by the Asian elephant in this area is high and the relationship between humans and elephants is worse compared to other study sites.

The Asian Elephants and Associated Human·Elephant Conflict in South-Eastern Bangladesh

4.3.3. Chandanalsh

Chandanaish is under three unions namely, Kachuai, Kharana, Kanchanabad of Chittagong district. Map 4.15 to 4.21 shows different features of this area including a base map. Eight sites were found where elephant moves frequently on a seasonal basis ( Map 4.19). Five people have been killed as a result of elephant attack at this site in between 2000-2010. Map 4.20 clear illustrates the fact that all the human settlement in the areas is located along elephant migration routes resulting high number of HEC. Nine active corridors (Map 4.17) were identified of which three major corridors are as follows:

• Kanchanabad-Chandanaish, located between 22°14'0.638"N 92°3'1.625"E and 22°13'45.035"N 92°2'29.378"E, and runs through agriculture land and forest land. Its total length was 1.2 km and estimated buffer area was 25.48 ha. One HEC site with crop damage is found.

• Kachuai-Kharana, located between 22°15'32.177"N 92°2'31.112"E and 22°15'32.177"N 92°2'19.323"E, and runs through agriculture land. Its total length was 0.35 km and estimated buffer area was 10.65 ha.

• Haidgaon-Shrimai, located between 22°17'17.238"N 92°2'15.162"E and 22°17'15.157"N 92°2'4.76"E, and runs through agriculture land and forest land. Its total length was 0.325 km and estimated buffer area was 9.41 ha.

All the corridors combined had an area of 55.86 ha (highest 25.48 ha and lowest 4.20 ha) of buffer area (Map 4.18).

4.3.4. Fashiakhali

This site is under Lama Union of Bandarban hill district and Fashiakhali and Dulahazara of Cox's Bazar district. Map 4.22 to 4.28 shows different features of this area including a base map. Six frequent and seasonal , and one rare movement sites (Map 4.26) were identified during field observation and participatory sessions. Map 4.27 shows eight HEC sites in this area. All the HEC takes place along migration routes of the elephants except for one. New settlement and cultivated land are causing HEC in this area. Six injuries and two human deaths were recorded at this site by elephant attacks in last ten years (2000-2010). Ten active corridors (Map 4.24) occupying a total of 145.34 ha (highest 51.08 ha and lowest 5.79 ha) of buffer area was identified for free movement of elephants. Among these ten, four major corridors are as follows:

• Lama-Fashiakhali 1, located between 21°42'48.846"N 92°14'14.425"E and 21°42'26.065"N 92°14'9.511 "E, runs through agriculture and settlement land. Its total length was 0.77 km and estimated buffer area was 17.64 ha.

• Lama-Kakhara, located between 21°43'33.513"N 92°14'1.471 "E and 21°43'40.66"N 92°13'18.144"E, and runs through agriculture land and settlement land. Its total length was 1.33 km and estimated buffer area was 29.44 ha.

Elephant Corridors

• Lama-Fashiakhali 2, located between 21°43'36.648"N 92°9'32.574"E and 21°43'35.473"N 929'12.474"E, and runs through agriculture land and river land. Its total length was 0.67km and estimated buffer area was 16.61 ha.

• Lama-Fashiakhali 3, located between 21°46'12.529"N 92°12'44.197"E and 21°45'36.348"N 92°12'25.883"E, and runs through river, road and Agriculture field land. Its total length was 1.376 km and estimated buffer area was 51.08 ha.

4.3.5. Kaukhali

Kaukhali occupies three unions, two (Ghagra and Kalampati Union) under Rangamati district and Rajanagar Union under Chittagong district. Map 4.29 to 4.35 shows different features of this area including a base map. Eight seasonal elephant movement sites (Map 4.33) were identified and about seven human injuries were recorded in the seven HEC sites (Map 4.34). Six active corridors were identified (Map 4.31) occuping about a total of 67.21 ha (highest 18.97 ha and lowest 3.88 ha) of buffer area (Map 4.32). Among these six corridors four major corridors are as follows:

• Sapchhari-Ghagra 1, located between 22°38'46.412"N 92°4'23.882"E and 22°38'37.756"N 92°4'14.241 "E, and runs through agriculture land. Its total length was 0.405 km and estimated buffer area was 10.98 ha.

• Sapchhari-Ghagra 2, located between 22°38'15.0B"N 92°3'16.639"E and 22°38'21.106"N 92°2'50.369"E, and runs through agriculture land. Its total length was 0.77km and estimated buffer area was 18.97 ha. One HEC site was found mainly due to crop damage by elephants.

• Ghagra-Kalampati 1, located between 22°36'33.855"N 92°2'20.453"E and 22°36'29.276"N 92°1 '57.828"E, and runs through agriculture land and settlement area. Its total length was 0.664 km and estimated buffer area was 16.37 ha. One HEC site was found with extensive Crop damage.

• Ghagra-Kalampati 2, located between 22°36'19.394"N 92°1 '16.373"E and 22°36'23.974"N 92°1 '1.431 "E, and runs through agriculture land and forest land. Its total length was 0.470 km and estimated buffer area was 12.32 ha.

In the last twenty years, number of new human settlements and agricultural areas are established through conversion of forest land which increased the number of HEC. This was reported from the FGD's and one-to-one discussions conducted with local communities.

4.3.6. Mohalchhari

Mohalchhari is under the Mohalchhari union of Khagrachari District. Map 4.36 to 4.42 shows different features of this area including a base map. Six elephant sites were found in Mohalchhari (Map 4.40). Four HEC sites were found in this area (Map 4.41) and about four people were injured over the last ten years (2000- 201 O). Seven active corridors (Map 4.38) were found with no abandoned corridors. The total corridor buffer area was 44.27 ha (ranges 20.55- 4.37 ha) (Map 4.39). Among seven, four major corridors are as follows:

The Asian Elephants and Associated Human·Elephant Conflict in South-Eastem Bangladesh

• Kalapahar-Mohalchhori 1, located between 22°56'29.282"N 92°0'50.216"E and 22°56'26.556"N 92°0'56.661 "E and runs through forest and agriculture land. Its total length was 0.216 km and estimated buffer area was 7.14 ha.

• Kalapahar-Mohalchhori 2, located between 22°56'5.9"N 92°17'0.072"E and 22°56'0.116"N 92°1 '8.661 "E, and runs through forest and agriculture land. Its total length was 0. 1 89 km and estimated buffer area was 20.55 ha.

• Kalapahar-Mohalchhori 3, located between 22°55'55.241 "N 92°1 '10.577''E and 22°55'44.583"N 92°1 '13.599"E, and runs through forest and agriculture land. Its total length was 0.346 km and estimated buffer area was 20.55 ha.

• Kalapahar-Mohalchhori 4, located between 22°55'43.756"N 92°1 '1.619"E and 22°55'45.657"N 92°0'53.687"E, and runs through forest and agriculture land. Its total length was 0.237 km and estimated buffer was area 7.84 ha.

4.3.7. Pablakhali

This site consisted of Sarbatoli and Baghachatar Union of Rangamati district. Map 4.43 to 4.47 shows different features of this area including a base map. Six seasonal elephant movement sites were identified during field observation (Map 4.45). Five injuries were noted at five sites from elephant attack in between 2001 to 2010 (Map 4.46). The area is covered in continuous natural forest and that's why there was no fragmentation among the forest patches. So, no active corridor was found in the visited locations of this site and accordingly no map was generated on corridor and buffer area.

4.3.8. Potia

The study site Potia is under three unions of Chittagong district, namely, Haidgaon, Ward No. 1 and Potia. Map 4.48 to 4.54 shows different features of this area including a base map. Three sites were found where elephants move frequently additionally two rare sites were also identified (Map 4.52). It was recorded that one human death and about two injuries by the Asian elephant had occurred in three different places of this site in between 2000 to 201 O (Map 4.53). One active corridor (Map 4.50) Haidgaon- Kehshahar was found which is located between 22°18'13.968"N 92°1 '18.993"E and 22°18'12.571 "N 92°1 '6.361 "E, and runs through agriculture land. Its total length was 0.408 km and estimated buffer area was 10.88 ha. This corridor comprised of one HEC site mainly for crop damage.

The elephant herd usually travel from Potia to Sukhbilash through a continuous hilly route connecting two areas. The HEC situation was almost similar to Bashkhali. Elephant raids increased during paddy harvesting season in this area.

4.3.9. Sukhbilash

This site is under the Padua Union of Chittagong district. Map 4.55 to 4.61 shows different features of this area including a base map. Elephant movement was frequent and five seasonal elephant movement sites and one infrequent site (Map 4.59) were identified during field observation. Seven HEC sites were recorded (Map 4.60). Seven injuries due to HEC were found over the last ten years (2000-2010). Four active corridors and one abandoned corridor were identified for free

Elephant Corridors

movement of elephants (Map 4.57). The corridors are as follows:

• Bangalhalia-Padua 1, located between 22°22'39.571 "N 92°6'32.573"Eand 22°21 '59.688"N 92°6'20.685"E and runs through forest, settlement and agriculture land. Its total length was 2.225 km and estimated buffer area 38.42 ha. Two HEC sites were found where crop damage was found to be high.

• Bangalhalia-Padua 2, located between 22°21 '49.526"N 92°6'12.632"E and 22°21 '0.822"N 92°5'56.141 "E and runs through forest, settlement and agriculture land. Its total length was 1 .90 km and estimated buffer area was 64.47 ha. Two HEC sites were found mainly for crop damage.

• Bangalhalia-Padua 3, located between 22°21 '35.336"N 92°6'31.039'E' and 22°20'53.536"N 92°6'0.935"E and runs through forest, settlement and agriculture land. Its total length was 1 .772 km and estimated buffer area 64.47 ha. One HEC site was found where crop damage was high.

• Rajbila-Padua, located between 22°21 '16.929"N 92°7' 4.787"E and 22°20· 41 .456 "N 92°6' 7.071 "E and runs through settlement and agriculture land. Its total length was 2.119 km and estimated buffer area 44.14 ha. One HEC site was found where crop damage was high.

The corridors occupied 147.03 ha (ranges 64.47- 38.42 ha) of buffer area (Map 4.58). In this area it was observed that human settlement and agricultural crop field was along the routes of elephant that increased the conflict between humans and elephants.


92"1'0"1 92"1D'D"E 8:1"1!1'0"1 12":Ml'O"I

Routes, Corridors a. Human-Elephant ........... \ a.nldlyang ~ I Conflict of Asian Elephant (Union: Dochhari, Garjania, Naikhongchhari, Kauarldlop • Kachhapia)

(District: Bandarban, Chittagong • Cox's Bazar) Alllllld .. I

;~ ........... \ ( •.,_,.J"( BANGLADESH

'--1. ' r-.. ,:; 1-... __________ ----w ~....,_

!...... ;::.':: ~ J .......... __ .,,,.....

I ,JN.'

c:

\~ \ . ' ' l'IW)oct-

" Z I ~

-, - ll'llll ~/ I I .. YOflano•'

Iii ~

I :;! .. ~ iii'

I I :> Kiiometers ~ 0 4 8 'O :F

g°' " a ::!IOt

- _._... LEGEND -· :>

~ Q.

:;·~ Elephant Seen - River g~

*Rare g. &'

- Forest ~{ *Seasonal l!1 ::c

Corridor D Settlement .. c: 3 3 g' ~ - Active Co1Tidor - Crop Damage ~ d! c::::::::J Abandoned Corridor - .. MYANMAR C:::J Union Boundary g_-g. "----Route .... D Agrlcultural Land ... :> :F ....

- Road

• Human Elephant Conflict (HEC}

=:..""===.=..=....- e t2•5'0"E t2•1D'011E 12"15'0"E 12":Ml'O"E

Map 4.1. Base map of Baghkhali

~ -g. "' ;; Ii ~ V1

12"111'0"E 12•1s'O•E

Gh•ndung

12"111'0"E IZ0 15'0"E

12•20'Q"E

MYANMAR

12•2D'Q"E

Routes of Asian Elephant (Union: Dochhari, Garjania, Naikhongchhari, Kauarkhop • Kachhapia)

(District: Bandarban, Chittagong • Cox's Bazar}

LEGEND

Road

Route

- River

- Forest

llml• lclma: eo.ai. lilrtll, :a.I ... ,...... ............ ,... .................

Kilometiers 0 2 4

D Settlement

r::J Union Boundary

~ Agricultural Land

e Map 4.2. Routes of Asian elephant at Baghkhali

~ "' & ,.

f Q"' 3. ! !5'.~ 3" a: ts' 8. ~l if Ill .. .. ~ .! -Ii '3 ~[

t2"1D'l'I!

·-~ ;

'·· '-.. ., l.d .. r /

.,/./ ........

.. .i ! ' ... _

--· 12"111'1"1!

U"J.S'O"I!

12":ll'O"I!

t:l":ll'ft

MYANMAR

t:t*2l'O"I!

Corridors of Asian Elephant (Union: Dochhllrt,. Gar:lanla, Nalllhongdlhart, Kauartdlop & Kachhllpla)

(District: Band•rban, ChltblgOng •Cox's Bazar)

LEGEND Contd or

Kilomebn 0 2 4

- Active Corridor - Forest ' •Abandoned Con1dor D Settlement

- Road i:".".".J Union Boundary = --- Roubl!I D Agricultural Land

- River -------·--- e

Map 4.3. Corridors of Asian elephant at Baghkhali

! :ir .. ~

i D ill

~ ~

!

~ N

12"11_

·-. .:..

< ' ··) -· / i

.r· ... /"'··· f \

··~

..........

tz"ll'ft

t;1."1.l'l"I

t;1."1ST'll

11'20"l"I

MYANMAR

'1'20"l"E

Buffer Area of The Corridors (Union: Dochhari, Garjania, Naikhongchhari, Kauartdlop a. Kachhapia)

(Dllltrlc:t: Banclarblln, Chittagong ll Cox"• Buar)

IOlometeni 0 2 4

LEGEND Con1dor

- .Active Corridor ' •Abandoned Conldor - Road

= -- Routa

- River

----------

- Forest D Settlement

l:::J Union Baundary D Agricultural Land

- Corridor Area (In ha)

e Map 4.4. Buffer area of corridors at Baghkhali

~ ID

i m

i ~~ :I .. :::!1111 -,,, ~ a.

~r s ii" :::ri;i ~i5.. ~ ::c ID C ; 3

lin :J m oe. iD .. 'C a. :::r ID Ill .. "' :::r.-.

92"10'D·• •ll•1s•a•1

tlmllld11n1

l2.•1o'O•E 92•15'0-E

•r.za11r1

MYANMAR

ll<llill'O"E

Asian Elephant Seen (Union: Dochhari, Garjania, Naikhongdlhari, Kauarkhop • Kadlhapia)

(Di&trict: BandartJan, Chittagong • COx's Bazar)

LEGEND

Elephant Seen *Rare *Seasonal

- Road = -Route

- River

..... -----· ....... ·· ........... ,.......,.. ........

Kilometers 0 2 4


[~·-~J Union Boundary

D Agriculblral Land

e

Map 4.5. Elephant seen at Baghkhali

m

i b' ~ 0 ;;i

12°1D'O"E IZ0 1S'D"E

..........

H 01D'O"E 9Z0 15'D"E

N"ZO'D"E

MYANMAR

9:ZOZO'D"E

Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) (Union: Dochhart, Galjanlll, Nalkhongc:hharl, Klluarldlop • Kllc:hhapla)

(District: Bandarban, Chittagong •Cox's Bazar)

LEGEND Road

Route

- River

- Forest

Kilometers 0 2 4

D Settlement

[::J Union Boundary

~ Agricultural Land

.A. Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)

'"" ~ Ml .............. ona,211111 ._, ....... l'I; ........... ,........... .......

Map 4.6. Human elephant conflict at Baghkhali

~ ID

i m

i ~~ :I .. :::!1111 -,,, ~ a.

~r s ii" :::ri;i ~i5.. ~ ::c ID C ; 3

lin :J m oe. iD .. 'C a. :::r ID Ill .. "' :::r.-.

!

92•10'0"E 9:Z.•15TQ•E

Gll•nclung

92•10'0"1! 92•15TQ•I!

n•20'0"E Crop Damage by Asian Elephant

MYANMAR

1i•20'0"1!!

(Union: Dochhari, Garjania, Naikhongchhari, Kauarkhop • Kachhapia) (District: BandarlHln, Chittagong •Cox's Bazar)

LEGEND

Road

Route

.. River

.. Forest

................. ..,:iwt ..,,,......111: __..Tiil....,.. .._r

Kiiometers 0 2 4

.. Crop Damage

~ Settlement _ ... - ... , L..._ .. .J Union Boundary

~Agricultural Land

e

Map 4.7. Crop damage by elephant at Baghkhali

m

i b' ~ 0 ;;i

•2•s"rl! •2"ia"r1 92"1!1'r1 •2•20'11-m!

E ~

-~ h•- \

"---.. --.. -· .. -· i ~

z

t ~

z

t ~

l'll•hi•kh•li

Chakhyo//

//

j-f] ~ ) \.,,1 ~ I I

12•S"rE 92"1G'rE 92"15'rE 11•:111'11"E

Routes, Corridors a. Human-Elephant Conflict of Asian Elephant

(Union: Gajalla, Kakllara • Lakhyardlar) (District: Bandarban • Cox's Bazar)

LEGEND Elephant Seen *Rare *Seasonal

Corridor

t;,"-~ ( "-..f"\ BANGLADESH ~~~ L __ __ ._ .. --. ... ~-,

) v ~ ' j '""--r~ _JN'

' .,

0

r )

~~-~ _.yor11eno-.\

Kilometers 4 8

- River - Forest D Settlement

- Active CorTidor c:::J Abandoned Corridor = -- Route

- Road

- Crop Damage i:::J Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land


~=:.=..=.... ......... e Map 4.8. Base map of Asian elephant at Bashkhali

~ .. i m

I bl a "' .. :::!IOI -·"' ~ a.

~~ c -

~[ ~ ::c ID C 3 3 ~9 "'m '!:!.ii' .. "O a. ::T ID OI .. "' ::T.-.

! z

~ ..

z

~ ..

!

12"6'Cl"E 12"7'0"E 12'8'Cl"E

Azlznagar

Fashiakhali

12"6'Cl"E 12"7'0"E 12'8'Cl"E

12"1'0"E 12•1o'O•E

12"1'0"E 12•10'0111

Routes of Asian Elephant (Union: Gajalia, Kakhara • Lakhyarchar)

(District: Bandarban • Cox's Bazar)

LEGEND Road

Route

.. River

.. Forest

................... Emtft,:Zlllll

... ,,..,.....: ... 1i.11111n-...11-

0 Kilometers

1 2

D Settlement

·1=·-----1 Union Boundary .. _ ...... ~ Agricultural Land

Map 4.9. Routes of Asian elephant at Bashkhali

e

m

1 b' ~ 0 i;l

! .. ~ N

.. ~ N

I' p

'lo 1;I 0

~

~

s

t2•n•1

Azlznagar

Fashiakhali

12•.-0•1 12't'O"E t2"10'0"E

i;i D:> f:"'j> J I I I I I

12•n•1 12"7'0"E 12•.-0•1 12't'O"E t2"10'0"E

Corridors of Asian Elephant (Union: Gajalia, Kakhara • Lakhyarchar)

(District: Bandarban • Cox's Bazar)

Kilometers 0 1 2

LEGEND Corridor

- Active Con1dor c:::::::i Abandoned Co1Tidor

- Road = ---Route

- River

Ml ............. Bna,31m • PnJdtrl: ........... Tlwl- Mel'Mlr


C:::J Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

"""" e

Map 4.10. Corridors of Asian elephant at Bashkhali

~ IP

a: iD :J m ii" "O ::r

bl i 3."' it a ~I ~[ .. il e: 3 ~ ~:J ~ !!:! Ii '8 ft if ::r .a

.. I

~

~

.. lo ~ ..

.. I

~ ~

l:aeft"E n-rn ll"n"!

Azlznagu

Fmhl•kh•ll

ll"rll"E 12"1'Cl"E l:rrll"E

Norn ·--

l2"l'll"E ll."2ll'Cl"E

Buffer Area of The Corridors (Union: Gajalla,. Kalchan1 • Laldlyarc:har)

(Diltrict:: Bandarban • COx'• Bazar)

LEGEND Corridor

- Active C'.orridor

0

L__J Abandoned Conldor

- Road --- Routa

- River -----... ~ ....... T.-. ........

Kllameten 1 2

- Forest D Settlement i::::J Union Boundary D Agrtc:ultun1I Land

- Corridor.Arm (in ha)

e Map 4.11. Buffer area of corridor at Bash khali

m

1 b' ~ 0 i;l

.. ~ ~

.. ~ ..

• p

'

H'l'O"E 92"70"E H'l'O"E

t2•1D'011E

92"9'0"E 92°10'0"E

Asian Elephant Seen (Union: GllJ•ll•, Kakhara • Lakhyarcllar)

(District: Bllndllrban •Cox's Bazar)

Kilometers 0 1 2



- Road - ---- Route

[~·-~J Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

- River

.._.....,,_..._.....,. ... .............. !-..-......-....... ..-.. e

Map 4.12. Elephant seen at Bashkhali

~ tD

r m

i Sa :I .. :!Im -:::i ~ Q.

~r c -·

~[ :!I ::c tD c 3 3 in :::i m 19. iD .. 't:l Q. :r tD ... .. :I :r ....

! .. ~ ..

.. ~ ..

,. p ,., 0

;i

! ,.

ll"''O"E

Azlznagar

Falhiakhali

t:l"rO"E ll'l'O"E t:l"t'O"E l2.610'0"E

j I f:lt··'-,. I e:,. I I I I

ll"''O"E t:rrO"E ll'l'O"E t:l"t'O"E 12.610'0"1

Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) (Union: Gajalia, Kllkhara • l.alchyarchar)

(District: Bandarban •Cox's Bazar)

LEGEND - Road

----- Route

.. River

.. Forest

~--.......... ~--... , ......... : ......... ,... ........ _,

Kilomella111 0 1 2


D Settlement

r==J Union Boundary

~ Agricultural Land

e Map 4.13. Human elephant conflict at Bashkhali

m

I b' ~ 0 i'1

i !:1

z i>

~

~ ..

~ ,., 0

!:I

c ~ ..

i !:1 .... ,

112"5'0"1 112"7'0"E 112"a'O"E

Azlznagar

FHhillkhllli

112"S'O"I! 112"7'0"! 92'a'O"I!

t:l"t'O"E 12•10'0•1

92"9'0"! •2•10"Cl·I!

Crop Damage by Asian Elephant (Union: Gajalia, Kakhara • l.akhyarchar)

(District: Band11rb11n • Cox's Bazar)

LEGEND - Road ---- Route

- River - Forest

.................... ZW9

-~ ........... Tnl--~

Kilomatars 0 1 2

- Crop Damage D Settlement

C:::::! Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

e Map 4.14. Crop damage by elephant at Bashkhali

~ tD

r m

i Sa :I .. :!Im -:::i ~ Q.

~r c -·


., p

~ ..

,. p

c

IZ"ll'll"E

-- ;-~"\ l ,.,.-- ~v--~

IZ"ll'll"E

12•s'O•E

llllldgman

tz•s'O•E

Routes, Corridors & Human-Elephant Conflict of Asian Elephant

(Union: Kachuai, Kanchanabad • Kharana) (Dlstrtct: Chittagong)


Corridor

';,-... .. ) / , ··,J} BANGLADESH '°" .. -~ l_

r-~..,. ----·-----. ..... --~ .......

i"' '" ',~ ! ~l _Jr•t' r't ./

" I.,

\ ,t>-.!Jll. .. ~ ~ .. , .... ...,,~

Kllomell!rs 0 2 4

- Road

- River

- Active Corridor - Forest D Settlement r-i Abandoned Corridor

----Route ® Chandanaish Bit Office


- Crop Damage i:::J Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

~~=..=--N__. e

Map 4.15. Base map of Asian elephant at Chandanaish

m

I b' ~ 0 i'1

z

c

z t ;: ..

l' ; A

~ = i::

z

~

t2•110•E

92•1•0•1!

92•1'0"E tJ•3'0"E

111111111-

12•.t'O"! t.1•3'0"!

92*4'0"E t2•5'0•E

92"4'0"! 12•n·I!

Routes of Asian Elephant (Union: Kachuai, Kanchanabad ll Kharana)

(District: Chittagong)

0

LEGEND

Kilometers 1

® Chandanaish Bit Office - Road

:z


= --Route

- River r::::I Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

e ___ ... __ ... ,~...__,......... ____ "'*"

Map 4.16. Routes of Asian elephant at Chandanaish

~ ,.

i m

~ ::.-

61 a " .. :!IOI -· " ~ a.

~r s Di"

~[ ~ ::c ,. c 3 ~ ~i' "m '!a.ii" !. -g. ,. .. .. " :::r ..

92•1•0•1E

~ A

~ Ji'A'!ii t '\ ... ~

~ = i'::

l" ~~ ~ '" ..

12•1·a·1

9:Z-2'0"E 92"3'0"!

tlllldg•on

92°4'0"E 92•5'0"E Corridors of Asian Elephant (Union: Kachual, Kanchanabad • Kharana)

(Disbict: Chittagong)

0 Kiiometers

1 2

LEGEND @ Chandanaish Bit Office - Road ---- Route

- River


Corridor - Active Corridor

C.'.'.J Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

c:::::i Abandoned Corridor

~ ............. rt11.2GD1 e Ml•P19J-.n: .... ~TN.-M.,..r

Map 4.17. Corridors of Asian elephant at Chandanaish

I .. ;:t

b' 3.

f

g :! A

'2"1'0"E

~~ 0 •

A

'2":l'll"E

.. §~ "-7' ....

A

.. pt-~ ~ A

.. § A

'2"1'11"1 '2"1'11"!

'2".'J'll"E

"" .......

H"ft"I!

'2".rrE •l".S..-E

-- H"S'O"!

Buffer Area of The Corridors (Union: Kachual, Kanchanabad & Kharana)

(Dllltrlct: Chittagong)

Kllametel"ll 0 1 2

LEGEND

® a.andanalsh Bit omce - Road ----Route

- River - Forest D Setttement

Contdor

- Adlve Contdor c:::::J Abandoned Comdor

C"."] Union Boundary

D Agricultun11I umd

- Conldor .Area (In ha)

z.._..._...,_Elltl,, .. ............ :-.~n.--..-.. e Map 4.18. Buffer area of corridor at Chandanalsh

~ ,.

i m

~ ::.-

61 a " .. :!IOI -· " ~ a.

~r s Di"

~[ ~ ::c ,. c 3 ~ ~i' "m '!a.ii" !. -g. ,. .. .. " :::r ..

• ~ ?l ~

~ = ~

~ =i ~

12"1'0"E 12°2'0"! 12°.ll'G"E

tteldgeon

•2•110•1 92•:ra•1 12•.1'G•1

12"4'0"E 12°5'0"!

l.294'D"E 12•5•0•1

Asian Elephant Seen (Union: Kachuai, Kanchanabad & Kharana)

{District: Chittagong)

Kilometen 0 1 2


LEGEND


- Road ===-Route

[:_] Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

- River

JM..-lo1ftll: ...... lmltl, 200I Mepltr'lll~-·......-Tnin ..... 11...,.....

e Map 4.19. Elephant seen at Chandanaish

m

1 ~ ~ 0 ;;:

i Jo ..

I! b

~

l" Ii: ~

z b

= ~

l"

~ A

11•1'0"E •

2•2•0

·E •M·o·E •2"4·o·E •r5'D"E Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC)

llllldg•on

9z•1'0•E 92•2•a•E 9M'D"E 92"4'D"E 12"5'D"E

LEGEND

(Union: Kachuai, Kanchanabad • Kharana) (Dlltrtct: Chittagong)

0 Kiiometers

1 2

® Chandanaish Bit Office - Forest - Road D Settlement =--- Route i.~~] Union Boundary

- River D Agricultural Land

.6.. Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)

........... Cloelltillllltlli~ _,,.._.n: .... lmllllhTNn91111r111N~ e Map 4.20. Human elephant conflict at Chandanaish

~ ID

r-m

i Sa "' .. :!IOI -,,, ~ a.

~r c -· g[ ~ ::c ID C ; 3

in "'m oe. iD .. "C a. ::r ID OI .. "' =>".-t

92"l'D"E

92"l'D"!

u•.z"O•E !12'3"Cl"E

Hllldl•an

92•2-o·I! •2'3"D"!

92"4"Cl"E tz•!li'O"'E

92"4'0"! 92°5'0"!

Crop Damage by Asian Elephant (Union: Kac:huai, Kanchanabad • Kharana)


Kilometers 0 1 2

LEGEND ® Chandanaish Bit Office

- Road D Settlement

- Crop Damage C::::::::i Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

----Route

- River - Forest

...... .._ ...... ~ .. --~ ....... Tml_Merml!lr

e Map 4.21. Crop damage by elephant at Chandanaish

m

i ~ ~ 0 ;;::


(Union: Dochharl, Garjanla, Nallc:hongchhart, Kauarkhop & Kachhapla) (District: Bandarban, Chittagong • Cox's Bazar)


Corridor

J',.J.). f '-...J '-'-.. ( BANGLADESH

~--1,. ' r-~~ L~- ....__~,.__- --..---- ~-...

/ t../ ;:' j

''~-- ~!

0

~ _j!'\.1

r' ·•

\ _ \~ ~ ~ ••"°''eno-'

W.E s

Kiiometers 4 8

- River


- Active Corridor c:::::i Abandoned CorTidor '-----Route

- Road

- Crop Damage i:::J Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

.& Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)

~~":T.2: ........... e

Map 4.22. Base map of Asian elephant at Fashiakhali

~ .. i :lJ m

i QI i .. -· :lJ ~ Q,

S'j? K' ..

8. ~i 1~ 3 ~ gi :;i

~i ~[

WJ'O'I! t.:t'IO'n

Ballharl

Wl'O'I! WIO'ft

tl'U'O't! -'O'I!

Chokhyong

Allkadam

t2.':lll'O"C

Routes of Asian Elephant {UnlDn: Lama, Falllllllkhllll • Dul1hmal'8)

(Dlltrlct: Bllndlrblln • Cax'• Blmlr)

LEGEND - Road ----Route

.. River

.. Forest _ ... __ .. __ .... .._ ......... __

w •• 8

ICllomeb!n 0 3 6

~ Settlement r::-J Union Boundary ~ Agrlcultural Land

Map 4.23. Routes of Asian elephant at Fashiakhali

e

ICl'lli"l'E ft'IO'll"E

I I '( ::::;b Sarai

! =r

~ \-.. a ~ 3. ....... 7 f Gajalia

Balsharl

t:l"S'll'! WIO'O"I!

I.I' 15"l"E 111'21'11'E I :;;"'

I 1

Chokhyong

Allkaclam

IJ:'l.STI! tl':ll'll'!

Corridors of Asian Elephant (Un1on: Lama, FMhlakhall & Dulahaara)

(Dlltlk:t: Bandart.t a. Cox's Bllzar)

wf>• s

Kiiometers

0 3 '

LEGEND C.Onldor

- Active Corridor r--; Abandoned C.Onidor - Road

= -Route

- River

-----... _,..,..._ __ - Forest C] SetHement .-.. ·-•. - ... .i Union Boundary D Agrlcultunil Lind

e Map 4.24. Corridors of Asian elephant at Fashiakhali

~ Ill

~ ~ :J m iD "D :J"

b' .. ~! !l'a

ii ![ .. ii ~ 3 ~ ~:J .! m •-l!l if i ::ra

H .... "I 112"U'll"I

~{=· ., i 17

!(\-··~

~ '•··--~

~~

., Khuntakhali ;

. _;-.. .. ) ./ A,/ '

la'n"I 12"ll'O"I

Sarai

Gaj2111a

Baishari

112"1.5'11"1 !ICl"2llT'I!

7 I

\

Chokhyong

,//'"

,,, .. -"'"

\ -...... J

.,,,--·-···- · Alikadam ,,, ... ,,..

\ '-·- .........

_ ....... "-·-\ ., ... --·· ., .. ,,,,.··

112"1.1'9"1 t2"lll"l'W

Buffer Area of The Corridors (Union: Lama, FaMl•khall • Dulahua19)

(Dlltltc:t: Bllndarblln • COX'• Bazar)

LEGEND Contdor

- Active Conidor

0

L___j Abandoned Corridor

- Road = -Route

- River

..... _. ............ ·----

W.B 8

IOlantliilln 3 6


C:J Union Boundary D Agrtailtural Land

- Corridor Area (in ha)

e Map 4.25. Buffer area of corridor at Fashiakhali

w =s.. ~ ~ 3.

i

IQ'W'O"E

«1"!1'11"!

112"lcrrE ll'UT'E

Balsharl

l:rlCl"l"I! ll'lll'l't!

92"21'0"E

Chokhyong

.Allkadam

·-'Cl'!

Asian Elephant Seen {Union: Lime, F11hl1khlll • Dul1huara)

(Diltrict: Blnd1rhn • COx's Bazar)


- Road ---- Route

- River --.... -------

w •• s

IClon'Mlt:Ms 0 3 6

- Forelt D Settlement r.:::.! Union Boundary

D Agrlcultural Land

Map 4.26. Elephant seen at Fashiakhali

e

Wft"C WIO'ft ta'U'l"I:

Gajalia

I A

; ~

I ':}. .. r ::I m

.@ "if u 8 11 """' -:::i ~ g.

Sjt K' ~ §. 8. ·i r~ 3~ &' :J

~.f i~ I _.."E

Bafsharl

12'10TE tl'UT'E

ta':llO'O'C

Chokhyong

Alikadam

-tr::IO'O"E

Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) (Union: La ..... F.-lll1khllll • Dulah1ara)

{Dlmtcl: Blnd1rbtln •Cox'• Bazar)

LEGEND

w •• s

IClkMnmtr9 0 3 6

_. Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)

- Road D Setttmnent ---- Route ['~"_'] Union Boundary

- River D Agricultural land

- Fore.st ____ .. __ ----- e

Map 4.27. Human elephant conflict at Fashiakhali

w =s.. ~ ~ 3.

i

12'!;~[ U'IJl'ft •r15~E -.-£ Crop Damage by Asian Elephant

; :. ...

~

~~ 1 ::I

12'5~1!

Gljalia

Balsharl

U'U"IM!

Otokhyong

Allkadam

tl'U~! Wl"'JIH'I!

(Union: Lama,, FMhialdlali a. Dulahazara) (Dlllltrlct: Bandarban a. COx'• Bazar)

LEGEND Conidor

- Active Corridor

w •• s

ICllorneten

0 3 '

r-; .Abandoned Corridor - Forett C] SetHement

- Road

= -- Roubl!I

- River

-----... ...,._,.....,_ __ - Crop Damage C::J Union Boundary CJ Agricultural Land

Map 4.28. Crop damage by elephant at Fashiakhali

e

~ ID

i m

i 6' a :I"' :::!IOI -· :::J ~ a.

~r s Di"

~[ ~ ::c ID i::: ; 3

11: ~ :::J m ta. iD ~-g. ID OI .. :::J :::J" ...

z:

~ ::I

)

-kChhOll

' \ \ -· \

~ V'''°l j ..... )~ .. ..,

IZ"O'O"E

a..tb11nl•

IZ"O'O"E

92•1'8•E

IMukC.hllrl

Sllpchhor1

-... .....

1.2•s'0•1


(Union: Ghagra, Kalampatl • Rajanagar) (District: Rangamati •Chittagong)


Corridor

~>•.A':\ r ·, J\ ~--1,. L_ BANGLADESH .~~ ----·- ... --.... ~-, ;v· ~

' J ............. _ ~

.( ~...JN.I

( I

t.

~~ ~::!: ~ •aYof.len9.,.

w •• s

Kiiometers 0 2 4

- River


- Active Corridor c:::3 Abandoned Corrtdor =---Route

- Road

- Crop Damage C:::J Union Boundary

D Agrtcultural Land

l School

.6.. Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)

~~·~.._.., e Map 4.29. Base map of Asian elephant at Kaukhali

iil1 "C :::r .. a g s

~ ~

IE

~ £ N

92•D'O"E

9z•a'O"E

92•S'O"E

9z•s'O"E

Routes of Asian Elephant (Union: Ghagra, Kalampati &. Ghagra) (Distrid: Rangamati &. Chittagong)

LEGEND

l School Road Route

.. River

llulelHl'Wll:.._IMll!,mit

w•• s Kiiometers

0 1 2

.. Forest D Settlement L:.~J Union Boundary ~ Agricultural Land

... PrOjtied ............. 1"19 ........ ~

Map 4.30. Routes of Asian elephant at Kaukhali

e

~ ID

i m

i 6' a :I"' :::!IOI -· :::J ~ a.

~r s Di"

~[ ~ ::c ID i::: ; 3

11: ~ :::J m ta. iD ~-g. ID OI .. :::J :::J" ...

l"

i

I!:

~ G

92"D'O"I!

92"D'O"I!

12•5'a•1:

12•5'a•1:

Corridors of Asian Elephant (Union: Ghagra, Kalampatl • Ghagra) (Dlstrtct: Rangamatl •Chittagong)

LEGEND

l School - Road ----Route

W.E s

Kiiometers 0 1 2

- River


Corridor r.:::.J Union Boundary - Active Corridor D Agricultural Land c:::::J Abandoned Co1Tidor

1111..,. ............ ,..., .. ..... ~ ............ ,.... ..... ~r

e Map 4.31. Corridors of Asian elephant at Kaukhali

i :r .. ~

i D ii1

N"O'l"ll

I

.. I>

~

ll"O'I"!

0"5'1"11

92••1·11

Buffer Area of The Corridors (Union: Ghllgra, ICalampatl • Ghagra)

(Dllllrlct:= Rangamatl •Chittagong)

LEGEND Corridor

- Ad:ive Corridor

N

w\t• s

ldlametss a 1 :z

- Forest r-i Abandoned Corridor - Kaptli Lake - Road =--Route

.t School

- River ___ .. __ .... ___ _ D Settlement r.:::J Union Boundary D .Agricultural Land

- Con1dor Area (In ha)

e Map 4.32. Buffer area of corridor at Kaukhali

~ .. ~ !!l m .[ J

~~ :!IOI

~a 5· i?:' ~ .. c 8. ~[ ~::c .. c 3 ~ ~:I

""' ~ii" "'-0 ll.-;s-.. "' ~a

c ~

f p

El :::

92"0'D"E

ll:ZOD'D"E

92°5'D"E

92•5•0•1

Asian Elephant Seen (Union: Ghagra, Kalampati a. Ghagra)

{District: Rangamati a. Chittagong)

LEGEND


W.E s

Kilometen 0 1 2


: school .. -... , L. .. ....; Union Boundary

- Road = --Route

- River

i,.....s.n.: 1iaa91B .. 1111.. :llml M1pPrDjlcllon; ......... llTnMnl'lllM.atlM'

D Agricultural Land

e Map 4.33. Elephant seen at Kaukhali

~ -g. .. ~

Ii ~ ill

• !

~ G

1z•D'O"'E

112•0'8•1

n•s·a·E

12•s•o•1

Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC)

LEGEND

(Union: Ghagra, Kalampati • Ghagra) (District: Rangamati • Chittagong)

W.E s

Kilometers 0 1 2

.t School

- Road = --Route - River

..&. Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)

D Settlement

r:::J Union Boundary

- Forest D Agrlcultural Land

........ 1n91: ...... Eolltl.119 _Pnjlellen::..._.....,...._ ........ e

Map 4.34. Human elephant conflict at Kaukhali

~ ID

~ "' Cl!

! b' ~ :I E;I' :::!> ..

~ g_ :;·ii': 8' ~ c D • ... .. =r fi ~ Q.

)!I ::c ,. c 3 3 ..... .. i' ::i m ~ti" g_ -g. ,. .. "'"' ::T ....

~ ~

"' ~ ..

H'O'O"I!

92'0'0"1!

u•,..o·I! Crop Damage by Asian Elephant

u•n•I!

(Union: Ghagra, Kalampati • Ghagra) (Dlstrtct: Rangamatl • Chittagong)

LEGEND ,t School

- Road ----Route

- River - Forest

1111 ............... &irtll,~ .. ,~ .......... Tnl_...,......

w@• s

Kiiometers 0 1 2

D Settlement • crop Damage C::J Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

Map 4.35. Crop damage by elephant at Kaukhali

e

rn

i bl ~ 0 ;;!

.. I ..

,. p

~

~ t

~ • ~

.. I

.. ~ ..

•1•!111'11-i: 82"11'D"I!

S.ndukc::hhari

11•S1'G9E 82"11'D"E

•2•1•0•1!! 82"3'D"I! 92"4'D'~

Sabakhyong

12•1•o•E 1z•2'G•E 82"3'0"E 12•4•o•E

Routes, Corridors 8r.. Human-Elephant Conflict of Asian Elephant

(Union: Mohalchhari, District: Khagrachhari)


Corridor - Active Corridor

?"--A> f • ...... ._,\ '-,'- \ BANGLADESH

r:2.;. L~--....-,.._---.----~ ..... l~.-' '.j.

' J ..._____ ~

' _ J 1'1

~- '

\ z~ \ ~-

pYafl9119t).

W.E s

Kilometer& 0 1 2

- Road

- River

- Forest

c:::J Abandoned Corridor ="---Route

D Settlement

- Kapt:ai Lake l School - Crop Damage ® Mohalchhari Range Office


L:::::J Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

=====-=~--=-----e

Map 4.36. Base map of Asian elephant at Mohalchhari

~ rD

i m .[ ::.-

bl a = .. :!IOI -· = i:i. Cl.

~r s. i»

~[ ~ ::c rD c 3 3 gi 9 :om <a. 1i" .. "Cl Cl.::.-'" .. .. = ::.- ...

9Z01'0"E

• t ~

.. ~ ..

IZ01'0"E

92°2'D"E

•2•2'0•1

Routes of Asian Elephant (Union: Mohalchhari, District: Khagrachhari)

N

W*E s

Kiiometers 0 0.5

LEGEND ----Route

- Road

,t School

® Mohalchhari Range Office

- River

........ ,.. ...... Ellth., ...

........................ n._ ..........

1

• Forest - Kaptal Lake D Settlement

['.'.'J Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

e

Map 4.37. Routes of Asian elephant at Mohalchhari

m

i b' ~ 0 ;;i

z t ~ ..

'2"1'0"!

12"l'O"e

'2"2'0"!

t2"2'0"e

Corridors of Asian Elephant (Union: Mohalchh•rt. Dlstrtct: Khagrachhart)

N

W*E LEGEND Corridor

0

- Active Conidor

s Kiiometers

o.s

L::] Abandoned Corridor

- Road

1

- River - Forest

- Kaptai Lake D Setttement

-=---Route l School @ Mohalchhar1 Range Office

__ , .. ., L ... ...i Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

e 11n ....... 1W: ....... m.rtll,:mlll M111~: ........ TN...,_Mma1Dr

Map 4.38. Corridors of Asian elephant at Mohalchhari

~ ID

?' s ::J

nf ~f ~ &.

~[ .... ""[ i :i:: Ill c: 3 ~

Z' " ::i m

14f t~ 7 ..

~· R

i " ..

IZ"l'I'! !12"2'11'!

Buffer Area of The Corridors (Union: Mohalc:llh•rl. District: Khagradlhllrl)

LEGEND Corridor

a

- Active Conldor

N

wf)• s

Kllamell!IS 0.5 1

- River - ForMt

' <.Abandoned Co1Tldor - Kaptal Lake - Road D Settlement -,---- Route

u_..,, L ... ..i Union Boundary

.r Sdlool @ Mohalchhari Range Office

D Agrlmltural Land

- Contdor Area (In ha)

------~ ........ ~ ....... e Map 4.39. Buffer area of corridor at Mohalchhari

m

i b' ~ 0 ;;i

!'

~ N

z ~ ~

92"1'0"E

92"1'0"E

92•2.'0"E

92•2'0•1!

Asian Elephant Seen (Union: Mohalchhari, District: Khagrachhari)

LEGEND Elephant Seen

*Rare *Seasonal - Road

0

N

W*E s

Kilometen 0.5 1

- River - Forest - Kaptai Lake D Setttement

----Route ! School

.. - ... , L.. . .J Union Boundary

@ Mohalchhari Range Office

INm!llll 9Duna: Gaall• r.rn,, JDel

--~-...... -~ ....... M.alor

D Agricultural Land

e Map 4.40. Elephant seen at Mohalchhari

~ ID

r-m

i ~~ :I"' :::!1111 -· :::J ~a.

~r g[ ~ ::c ID C ; 3 gt~ :::J m oe. iD .. 'C a. ::r ID Ill .. :::J :::J".-t

92•1 .. •E

z

• !:j

92•1'8•1!

•2•2·a·1

92•2•a•1:

Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) (Union: Mohalchhar1, District: Khagrachharl)

0

LEGEND

W.E s

Kiiometers 0.5 1

.A. Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) - Forest

.t School - Kaptal Lake - Road D Settlement ---- Route L..".'J Union Boundary @ Mohalchhari Range Office D Agricultural Land

• River

........... n:e: ...... m.tll,.Ulll e

.. , .................... n........ ......

Map 4.41. Human elephant conflict at Mohalchhari

m

1 b' ~ 0 i;l

~1·0·•

f i::

.. t ~

•z•:1ra•1 Crop Damage by Asian Elephant (Union: Mohalchhari, District: Khagrachhari)

LEGEND

- Road ,,-----Route ,t School

0

N

W*E s

Kllomeb!rs 0.5 1

- Forest

- Kapt.ai Lake D Settlement

@ Mohalchharl Range ornce .. _ .. ,., L.. . ...i Union Boundary

- Crop Damage D Agrlcultural Land

- River

0...-IMlrm: ............ Zlllll "911Pno,!Ktloll: ........... n.-111~

Map 4.42. Crop damage by elephant at Mohalchhari

e

~ .. ~ ::J m ..

"O =r

bl a "' .. :::!IOI -· ::J ~ a.

~~ c -

~[ ~ ::c ID C 3 3 ~9 "'m '!:!.. .. .. "O a. =r ID OI .. ::J =r ....

•

~ ~ fol

c .. ~

Ii

I .. t .,

12111110•0•1

Adarakchhara

Mayanlmukh

Langadu

12111110•0•1

1241115'0•E

{

Gulshakhali

Bhasanya Adam

1241115'0•E

12•20•0•1

'1 J

Bara Harina

12111120•0•1


LEGEND Elephant Seen

*Rare *Seasonal

(Union: Sarbotali, Baghachatar) (District: Rangamatl)

~;l;.~ ( ·,._t~ BANGLADESH

'-~·, l_ r-~... ----·-.. --..... ~-~

/~-· ~ '-~.- ~/ ~ CJN

~~ ~ ~- . ·1.i""' '•

pYof811119~

w$• s

Kilometers 0 2 4

- Road

- River

- Forest ® Pablakhali Range Office D Settlement Corridor - Kaptai Lake - Active Corridor c:::J Abandoned Corridor - Crop Damage

----Route

.6. Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)

~==-=--

i:::J Union Boundary

D Agrlcultural Land

e

Map 4.43. Base map of Asian elephant at Pablakhali

;i -g. .. ;:!. Q

t

12"1A'O"E

~

Mmyanimukh E r.i

z

~ R

12"1A'O"E

12"1''0"E

12"1''0"E

12•uro·1

Gulshllkh•ll I

111-np Ad9m

Routes of Asian Elephant


(Union: Sarbotall, Baghac:hatar) (District: Rangamatf)

N

w$• s

Kllometers 0 1 2

® Pablakhali Range Office

- River

- Kaptai Lake D Settlement

i.:.".'.'.J Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

- Forest

~ .............. bdh,.a.. t2•18'0"E ............... : ...,,..._..T.-M.allw

Map 4.44. Routes of Asian elephant at Pablakhali

e

~ .. i m

I bl a "' .. :::!IOI -·"' ~ a.

~~ s i»

~[ ~ ::c ID C 3 3 Ill' 9 ~~ ~-g. ID OI .. "' :::r.-.

12•1411•E

"'

' "'

Mayanimukh ;,, .. !!I

i" ~ i:i

12•141Q•E

l:Z011'0"E l:ZOU'O"E

Gulllhakhllll I

·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·· Bhaunya Adam

l:Z011'0"E l:ZOU'O"E

Asian Elephant Seen (Union: S.rbotall, Baghachatar)

(Dlstrld: Rangamatl)

LEGEND Elephant Seen *Rare *Seasonal - Road

0

N

W*E s

Kilometers 1 2

• River - Forest - Kaptai Lake

D Settlement ----Route


C.::J Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

1111 ... ...._ ...... El.U...2119 ...,PN,lec:llNI: .......... n. ....... "--IDI'

e Map 4.45. Elephant seen at Pablakhali

m

I b' ~ 0 i'1

12*14'0"E

f ; i:I

f ~"'1 MllY8nimukh i:I

i

12*14'0"E

12*11'0"E

12*11'0"E

12•11•0•1

Gulwkhall

,.-,-·-·-·-·-·-·-~-.,

lhllsllnya Adam


LEGEND

(Union: Sarbotali, Baghac:hablr) (District: Rangamati)

N

W-E s

Kilometer1 0 1 2

..&. Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) - Forest

- Road - Kaptai Lake ---- Route D Settlement

® Pablakhali Range Office C."."J Union Boundary

- River D Agricultural Land

i....., ... ,....._..Eeltll,U. e 12•11·o·E -~ ..... ~,...-,.. ........

Map 4.46. Human elephant conflict at Pablakhali

~ tD

r m

i Sa :I .. :!Im -:::i ~ Q.

~r c -·


8:1"14'0"1

~

Mayan I mulch ~ " A

z

~ :II

1:1"14'0"E

92"1S'U-1 9:1"U'O"I

Gulmhakh•ll I

..._nyaAd•m

12•11'0•1 l:l":ll'O"E

Crop Damage by Asian Elephant (Union: Sarbotali, Bllghachablr)

(District: Rangamati}


0

N

W*E s

Kiiometers 1


- River

- Crop Damage

... ..................... ...

.... , ....... n: ........... ,......,.-.a.w

2

- Forest

- Kaptai Lake D Settlement .. - ... , L.. . ...i Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

e

Map 4.47. Crop damage by elephant at Pablakhali

m

I b' ~ 0 i'1

z

~

12•G"a•E 12"5'0"E

\.-. ~

' ... J""""',,:1 ;$'\.,; I \ ·-l--.-·l

--· -

-

~ ~.fL~=--~~~ r-_rl 1 .. -~ ~

) -· -'\..~· i . .. .........

.J~· <

9Z"5'0"E


(Union: Potia, Ward No.1 • Haidgaon) (Dlstrfct: Chittagong)


Corridor

5'"> . ...., ,. ' ./' L_'- "· \ BANGLADESH

r-·~~ L~----.,..__------·-..... ; ... _/ -~ ,____ ~!

0

( _ _Jo;:<.I

! '

\~ =

~ P'l°'lletil~

N W.E s

Kilometel"ll 2 4

- River


- Active Co1Tidor c:::::J Abandoned ColTidor = --Route

- Road

- Crop Damage c::J Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

~ Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)

~~~ .. rmlllr

....... ~N

Map 4.48. Base map of Asian elephant at Potia

~ tD

r m

i Sa :I .. :!Im -:::i ~ a.

~r Sar ~[ ~::c tD c 3 3 in :::i m 19. iD .. 't:l a. :r tD"' .. :I :r ....

~ ~

.. t ~

z

~ ~

t2•1'0•E t2•2'0•E 9:t'l'D"E

Kachual

92"1'0"E 92"2'0"E 9:t'l'D"E

92"4'D"E

Ahia Karaldanga

9r4'D"E


LEGEND

(Union: Potia, Ward No.1 • ttaidgaon) (District: Chittagong)

W.E s

Kllometllrs 0 1 2

- Forest - Road = --Route - River

D Settlement C:::=:l Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

-.. ...................... .......................... n.-•.aliDI' e

Map 4.49. Routes of Asian elephant at Potia

m iD -g. .. a ~ 3. Q. 0 ;;:

u

l' ~ ~

l' I: £ "

I

12•1'0"E

Kelishahar

~~ R

82"1'0"E

12"2'D"E

Kac:hual

12"2'D"E

12•:ro•1 u•4'0"E

Ahia Karaldanga

IZ":J'O"E 82"4'0"E

Corridors of Asian Elephant

LEGEND - Road

(Union: Potla, Ward No.1 a. Haldgaon) (Distrid: Chittagong)

0

w@• s

Kiiometers 1 2

- River ----Route

- Forest Corridor D Settlement - Active Co1Tidor c:::3 Abandoned Corridor

i:-~:J Union Boundary

e D Agricultural Land

........... mm:~Earttt,.DGI

..... ~·•111i.11m11n-.Mma1M"

Map 4.50. Corridors of Asian elephant at Potia

~ .. ?; .. ::> m ii" -g.

g"' ~! ~it

~I ![ .. .. :I: lie 3 ~ Ill :I .5 !h 5'.Q f ~ :di.

.. lo

E

• ; " ..

112"2.'0'E H"rt"E

Kelishahar

r---..r·

92":1.'CI"! IZ'"Z'D"!

ta"3'G"E '2"4'0"E

L Ahia Karaldanga

\" .'-"-----·-.. ....... _,..·1. ..........

Kacllual

ta"ll'll"W: n•4'a•1

Buffer Area of The Corridors

LEGEND

- Road ----Route

Corridor

(Union: Potla, Ward No.1 • Haldgaan) (District: Chllagang)

W.E s

K11ametera a 1 2


- Active Contdor C".::J Union Boundary • • Abandoned COnfdor D Agria.ilblral Land

- Corridor Area (in ha)

-----... ,.... ...... n-. ...... e

Map 4.51. Buffer area of corridor at Potia

m

1 ~ ~ 0 ;;:

I! b i:: ~

I'

¥ :::

I! b

= ~ ..

•2•1•0•1

Kelishahar

e2•1•a•1

92":1'0"E 92"3'0"E 12•4'Q•E

Ahia Karaldanga

Kachuai

9:ZO:l'O"E 92"3'0"E 12•4io•1

Map 4.52. Elephant seen at Potia

Asian Elephant Seen (Union: Potia, Ward No.1 a. Haidgaon)

(Dlllrlct: Chittagong)

0

LEGEND

Elephant Seen *:Rare *Seasonal

- Road ----- Route

.. River

1111.,. ............ 1 ........ .. Mlp .......... : .... .._,.TnnlWWMM....._

N

W*E s

Kilometers 1 2

.. Forest

~ Settlement

L:~J Union Boundary

~ Agricultural Land

e

~ ID

r-m

i Sa "' .. :!IOI -,,, ~ a.

~r c -· g[ ~ ::c ID C ; 3

in "'m oe. iD .. "C a. ::r ID OI .. "' =>".-t

~ ~

.. t R

z

~ R

12•1•1•E t2"2'0"E t2"3'D"E

Kachual

t2°1'0"E 92"2'D"E t2"3'D"E

t2"4'0"E

Ahia Karaldanga

t2"4'0"E

Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) (Union: Potia, Ward No.1 • Haidgaon)


0

LEGEND

W.E s

Kilometers 1


2

- Road - Forest ---- Route D Settlement

- River 1.::-.:::.J Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

............... Ditti,. ..

........................ n..-1111..:mr e

Map 4.53. Human elephant conflict at Potia

m

i ~ ~ 0 ;;::

'2"1'0"E

.. t A

.. t A

~r--§

,. l:~ §

'2"1'0"1!

92•2-o•E '2'3'0"E

Kadlual

92•2-o·I!! '2'3'0"!

92•4'0"E

Ahia Kan11ldanga

929 4 ... 1!!

Crop Damage by Asian Elephant (Union: Potta, Ward No.1 • Haldgaon)


LEGEND - Road

----Route

- River

0

D Agricultural Land

.................. m.a. ...

._~ .. ........,,ne ......... ...._..r

N

W*E s

Kllomeb!rs 1 2


- Crop Damage C:::] Union Boundary

e Map 4.54. Crop damage by elephant at Potia

~ ,.

i m

! G1 a " .. :!IOI -· " ~ a.

~r c -:;.~ ~i:5. ~ ::c ,. c 3 3 Ii:' 9 "m '!a.ii" .. "Cl a. ::r ,. .. .. " ::r ..

' ~ ~

t

Silak

Ahia Kan1ldanga

/ __ f ~~

Haidpon

•2•s-o·I!

•2•1'0·1!

U'7"G"! U"l'O"!

, ..... ..-....~ ........ -._··-. .._.,

Bangalhalla

Dhopachharl

U'7"G"! U"l'O"!


Elephant seen

*bre *Seasonal

Corridor

(Union: Padu•) (Upazila: Ranguni•)

)""'-~~ i ''-1\ '',,__ I BANGLADESH )...,,.r-~... ~ ........... -~ ... - ------.........__ ~ ~~ ' '

--..... _I ~" ; J~J!"'

)

-~~ \,,,i ' . . . · l!l ~--

9*'fDfhng•\

N

W*E s

Kiiometers 0 1 2

- Road

- Rlvar - Ad:ive Corridor c:::::::! AINlndoned Corridor

- Forest D Settlement ~--- Roula

.t School - Crop Damage

i'""-'""! Union Boundary

CJ Agricultural Land @ Bit/bnge Office

.A. Human Eleph11nt COnftict (HEC)

im.,o.-...,_ ...... ~ ... e .... ...,_; .. ~Tn-- ...........

Map 4.55. Base map of Asian elephant at Sukhbilash

m

i ~ ~ 0 ;;::

.. ~ R

~ c

.. t R

92"4'0"E 92"1'0"E

Silak

Haldgaon

92"4'0"E 92"6'0"E

ll'l'O"E

'-......-.... ........ ......,._··-.......... !

Bangalhalia

ll'l'O"E


LEGEND .t School

(Union: Padua) (Upazlla: Rangunla)

W.E s

Kilometers 0 1 2

- Forest D Settlement 0 Bit/Range Office

---- Route - Road

L:::.J Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

- River ~ e

......... na:: ...... !Mtl.-JIM

.... ll'rOjillfttel'l;M"IMMail"ltl'I-~

Map 4.56. Routes of Asian elephant at Sukhbilash

~ .. i m

I bl a :I .. :::!IOI -·::I ~ a.

~i s Dr

~[ ~::c ID C 3 3 ~9 ~~ Ol"O a. ::r ID OI .. ::I ::r ...

!" ~ i=

~ c

~ ~ ::I

92 ... '0"! •2•1·0·!

Silak

Haidgaan

'2 ... '0"E 92•1•0•1

t2•8'0"!

' ...................... ~.·-·-..........

Bangalhalia

~.-/'

92• .. 0•1

Corridors of Asian Elephant

LEGEND ! School

(Union: Padua) (Upazila: Rangunia)

N

W*E s

Kiiometers 0 1 2

® Bit/Range Office - Road


---- Route

Corridor - Active Corridor c:::i Abandoned Corridor

1111 ...... ,... ........ ntl,lllM -PN,ldorl: ... IMml'l~...,...M• .......

f:::J Union Boundary D Agricultural Land

e Map 4.57. Corridors of Asian elephant at Sukhbilash

! :ir .. ~

~ D ill i

c ~l Ahia K11111ldang11

c Ill ~

Haldg90ll

·~-H"l'O"!

•: '"'"-.......__.. . ...._,...._. _ ___ _

lanplhalla

l:l'Ter!

Buffer Area of The Corridors

LEGEND Corridor

- Active Corridor

(Union: Padua) (UpazDa:Rangunla)

N

W*E s

KllOllMllmn 0 1 2

- River c:::3 Abandoned Conldor


- Road ----Route

.t' Sdlool

® Blt/Rllnge Olllce

='=="="''!~-

r.::::J Union Boundary D Agrlculbnal Land

- Corridor Ania (In ha)

e Map 4.58. Buffer area of corridor at Sukhbilash

12"4'0"E 12't'O"E

Silak

z

~ ~

• ;. ::i ~

~ ID

f. ::J m iO i:i ::r

~a "' .. :!IOI

ii a [r lh g[ Halclgaon

ii E= ; 3 11n: .g m ii"~ a. ::r ct .. :::.-~

I 12"4'0"E '2't'O"E

ta•l'O•E

........ ~ •• - .. - ......... !

Bangalhalia

Dhopadlhari

12•n•E

Asian Elephant Seen (Union: Padua)

(Upazlla: Rangunla)

LEGEND Elephant Seen *Rare *Seasonal l School

- Road

N

W-F. s

Kiiometers 0 1 2

.. River

.. Forest ~ Settlement _ ... -... , L._ ... J Union Boundary

---= Route ~ Agricultural Land

® Bit/Range Office e sn._.11c1ma1 .... , ... 1111. 2DM - ,,.,....n:: ........... ,._ MMmtm'

Map 4.59. Elephant seen at Sukhbilash

~ "C ~ .. a ~ f ..

~ ~

~ c

.. t ~

'2"4'8"E 12•&-0•1

Silak

Halclgaon

12"4'8"E 12•l'O•E

92"1'0"1

, .................. _ .. _...._ .. ,

Bangalhalia

92"1'0"E


LEGEND

,t School

(Union: Padua) (Upazila: Rangunia)

W.E s

Kiiometers 0 1 2

- Forest ® Bit/Range Office

---- Route

D Settlement

r.:::J Union Boundary D Agricultural Land - Road

- River

_... Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) h9911 lourm:: C-...111 .... l9IM ..... ~.-.-i-..n. ....... ~

e Map 4.60. Human elephant conflict at Sukhbilash

~ .. r m

i b' a :I .. :!I ., - .. ~Cl.

~r Sar ~[ :!I ::c .. ;: 3 3 ~9 "'m '9. iD ['g. .. ., .. :I :Trt

.. £ R

.. t R

.. t ~

'2T'"! •z·r·! :.z= 1Crop Damage by Asian Elephant

I 7 ·-·· Silak

Haldgaon

9Z"4'0"E 12•1•0•1

....... -.. - .........

Bangalhalla

Dhopachhart

IZOli'D"E

LEGEND l School

(Union: Padua) (Upazlla: Rangunla)

N

w<f>• s

Kiiometers 0 1 2

® Bit/Range Office - Road

D Settlement

- Crop Damage C::] Union Boundary

D Agricultural Land

=---Route

- River

- Forest lltl9fllll9lmCll; .......... ZlllM ... ,,...,.....: 111.....,.-r.......Mlrcmor

Map 4.61. Crop damage by elephant at Sukhbilash

-eN

9JOOll"B

., t

~

~ ;;

BASE MAP [Sites: Baghkhali, Bashkhali, Chandanaisb,

Fashiakhali, Kaukhali, Mohalchhari, Pablakhali, Potia and Sukbbilash]

N

w<f)• s

Xllmneten 0 25 50

Legend I .. Study Areas

"CJ Upazila _j

Imqe S......: Gooale lutli, 2009 Mapl'nlJ-=Jlucll.-'l'rllm¥eneMe-.ir

Map 4.62. Base map showing the Upazila boundaries and the nine study sites

Elephant Corridors

CHAPTER FIVE: PRESENT SCENARIO OF HEC IN BANGLADESH I

In addition to detailed study in selected areas IUCN Bangladesh has also conducted a baseline survey on human elephant conflict at all the active elephant habitat of the country to collect the historical data and present status of HEC of the whole Bangladesh. All data has been collected from the respective forest beat and range offices and from local people. These results will not only help to take future course of action to conserve this majestic animal in the context of Bangladesh but also will provide baseline information of HEC, which is a prerequisite to reduce this conflict.

The study was conducted in different ranges of eight Forest Divisions of Bangladesh namely, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Chittagong South, Cox's Bazar North, Cox's Bazar South, Rangamati North, Rangamati South and Unclassed Stated Forest Division. The above mentioned Forest Divisions broadly fall under the administrative district of Sherpur, Jamalpur, Netrokona, Moulavibazar, Chittagong, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Cox's Bazar. Ranges under different forest divisions are given below.

Serlal No. Forest Division

1 Chittagong South

2 Cox's Bazar North

3 Cox's Bazar South

4 Mymensingh

5 Rangamati North

6 Rangamati South

7 Sylhet

8 Unclassed Stated Forest

Ranges

Khurushia, Potia and Bashkhali

Fashiakhali and Baghkhali

Teknaf

Modhulita, Rangtia, Balijuri and Durgapur

Pablakhali

Kaukhali

Juri 1 and Juri 2

Mohalchari


s.1. Methods of data collection

Information on HEC was collected through consultation with the local people and officers of local beat and range offices. A semi-structured questionnaire was tested and developed to collect information. FGD was conducted to collect information about economic losses, elephant movement, human and elephant dead and injury, damage to home and agriculture and local people perception about elephant. One to one discussions were conducted with the local people; including man, woman and children and forest officers who frequently observe elephants and attacked by elephants. The written data available with forest department was compiled and information gaps of the forest department's data were adjusted by FGD and one to one discussions. Damaged crop areas were estimated according to local units. The economic loss was computed by taking the market value of the potential crop yields (Paddy, grains, vegetables) that were damaged by elephants and additional 15% of the value was added as cost of cultivation. The house damage was assessed by computing the market cost of the damaged house building materials by elephants. Data on both the human and elephant deaths were recorded during field visits from local people and forest officials. The assessment of the economic loss of the damage of crops and properties was made following Sukumar (1990), Islam et al. (1999) and Aziz (2002).

5.2. Consequences of HEC

This section concentrated mainly different kinds of damages and losses done by elephant in the fifteen elephant areas of Bangladesh.

5.2.1. Human casualties

Human casualty is one of the common results of HEC. In the present study, 15 most elephant prone forest ranges of Bangladesh have been studied. Large number of casualties had been recorded in Potia range where 32 people had died from elephant attack, followed by Khurushia range (16 deaths), Modutila (8 deaths) and Rangtia (8 deaths). And lowest casualty was recorded in Pablakhali, Kaukhali and Juri 1 range where there is elephant but no death of human occurred by elephant for the last 11 years (Figure 5. 1, Table 5. 1 ).

35

"' 30 'iii

::::J 25 "'C ·:;: :e 20 .5 'O 15 iv

..c 10 E ::::J z 5

0 <

~ a: a: g < ...J ::::> ::::> :c

5 ::::! D.. .,, < < ...J ::i ::c

~ < ~ D.. a: 0 CD ::i 0 ::i 2 :=:: c

:J ::::; ::::; LL a: < < < < 0 ::c ::c ::c z ::c :.:: ~ :.:: :.::

w ::c ::c $ ::c I- u Vl ::c ~ ...J < .,,

~ < CD < ::c LL 0

:?:

Range

:J ::::; -< < a: ::c ::c ::i :.:: ~ ...... < ~ ...J

::2 CD < D..

..... a: ::i ......

• Human casulaty

• Human Injury

• Elephant casualty

Figure 5.1: Human casualty, human injury and elephant casualty in 15 Forest ranges from 2000 to 201 O

Present Scenario of HEC in Bangladesh

Table 5.1: Human casualty, human injury and elephant casualty in 15 Forest Ranges from 2000 to 201 O

Division Forest rang• Year Human Human Elephant

casualty injury casualty Potia 2001-2010 32 0 0

Chittagong South Khurushia 2001-2010 16 0 0 Bashkhali 2008-2010 2 5 0

Cox's Bazar North Baghkhali 2006-2010 6 2 0 Fashiakhali 2009-2010 3 0 0

Cox's Bazar South Teknaf 2010 4 0 0 Rangtia 2001-2010 8 3 0 Balijuri 2002-2010 6 9 0

Mymensingh Modhutila 2005-2010 8 19 4 Durgapur 2002-2010 5 0 1

Rangamati North Pablakhali 2010 0 0 2 Rangamati South Kaukhali 2010 0 2 0 Unclassed Stated Mohalchhari 2005 1 0 0 Forest

Sylhet Juri 1 2010 0 0 0

Juri 2 2000-2010 2 1 0

(Source: respective forest range offices)

5.2.2. Elephant casualty

Reduction of elephant number is one of the alarming consequences of HEC. According to FD and local people of the studied areas, 7 elephants were killed/died due to the cause of HEC during last decade. The total number of elephant death throughout the country may be higher but in this count natural death has not been considered. Figure 5.1 and table 5.1 showed that Modhutila range possess the highest number of elephant death (4) followed by Pablakhali (2) and Durgapur (1 ). No casualty of elephant has noticed in rest of the ranges.

5.2.3. Human injury due to elephant raid

Human injury is another major consequence of HEC. A large number of people became disabled and injured due to the elephant attack. In this study it was revealed that between 2000 to 2010 highest number of human injury took place at Modhutila forest range (19) followed by Balijuri (9) and Bashkhali (5) ranges. The lowest was observed in Juri 2 range (1) and no injury was evident in the rest eight forest ranges during the last 11 years (Figure 5.1 ).

5.2.4. Affected home and family due to elephant attack

Beside loss oflife and injury, a large number of homes have been destroyed and thus families have been affected from elephant attack. Financial loss and psychological trauma develops due to this attack. Elephant raid at a very high rate is observed in Rangtia range where 823 homes were destroyed within last one decade followed by Balijuri range where 11 homes have been affected. In Potia 24 homes were affected followed by Fashiakhali (25 homes), Khurushia (20 homes), Modhutila (98 homes), Kaukhali (6 homes) and in Teknaf 11 homes were destroyed (Figure 5.2 a).


On the other hand due to attack on home, crop field and even on human life, a large number of families have also been affected. From this survey it was revealed that the highest number of family affected in Rangtia (805 families) followed by Balijuri (201 families), Potia (61 families), Fashiakhali (50 families),Khurushia (35 families), Modhutila (18 families) and Kaukhali (1 O families). Such affects were not noticed in rest of the ranges (Figure 5.2 b)

900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100

0 I :5 i= ::::i ::c: 0 0 :E

I I < § z < a:

- -I I I

a: a: ::> ::::i

3 Q..

< < ~ CCI ::::i c

• Affected home

- -I I I I I I

< ::i ::i ::J L.I. J: ::i < :f < < < ~ J: <

Vl ::c: ::c: ::c: u ::c: ::> ~ ~ ~ w ...J ~ a: ::c: :S J: I- < :5 ::> Vl

~ J:

::c: ~ ::c: 0 CCI Vl

~ ~ < CCI ::!: L.I.

Range

Figure 5.2a: Affected home in 15 ranges from 2000-2011

900 800 700 600

500 400

300

200 100

0 -:s i= ::> J: c 0 :::E

I I < ~ z ~

I I I

I I I a: a: ::> ::::i ..... c.. ::J < < al m

::> c

• Affected family

- • I I I I I I I < ::J ::J ::J LI.. ::c: ::i < :c < < < z ::c: < l/l ::c: J: :I: ~ ~ J: ::> ~ ~ ~

~ ~

a: ::c: < ::c: < :s ::> ~ :c ~ ::c:

S2 0 m ~ m :E < LI..

c..

Range

I

::J < :I: ~

~

Figure 5.2b: Affected family in 15 ranges from 2000-2011

Present Scenario of HEC in Bangladesn

I I

::i a: < ::c: ::::i ~

....,

~

I I

5.2.5. Affected cultivated land due to elephant raid

Crop loss is one of the major consequences of HEC. Financial loss is directly involved with crop loss. Other than this, many people involve to guard their crop to protect from elephant raid which also demand physical loss. People awake overnight to protect their crops. Though people took efforts to protect crops, a large amount of crops has ruined due to elephant attack. In the present study, it was found that Rangtia range under Sherpur district is the most affected area in terms of crop damage due to elephant attack. About 2072.04 acre crop field have been destroyed by elephant during the last ten years. Rangtia is highly affected because every year huge number of elephants (according to forest department 100-120) visit this area during paddy season from India. From this study it was found that most of the cultivated land was located just beside the forest area of India and thus the crop field is easily accessible and vulnerable as well. That is why raiding intensity is too much high at this location. Modhutila of the same district holds the second position in crop damage due to elephant raid. About 274.5 acre crop land has raided by elephant in last six years. Figure 5.3 shows the picture of the crop loss in different elephant prone area during the last eleven years.

~ ~ c ~ .E .5

"' "' .Q iij ·o c 111 c i:i:

~ u 5

~ 111

"'C J!I u

~

Range

Figure 5.3: Amount of crop loss from 2001-2011 in 15 forest ranges

50

45 "' 40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5 A v V A A A A .... A A A A A

T T T T T T

Figure 5.4: Financial loss of 15 ranges from 2000-201 1


5.2.6. Financial loss due to HEC

The loss has been calculated considering both crop loss and damage to homesteads related to elephant raid. It was found that financial loss is highest at Rangtia range followed by Modhutila, Balijuri, Durgapur, Khurushia, Fashiakhali, Bashkhali, Baghkhali, Potia, Kaukhali, Teknaf and Juri 2. Figure 5.4 shows the details of this financial loss of the 15 forest ranges.

5.2.7 Crop raided by elephant

This survey revealed that elephant predominantly raid paddy, sugarcane, potato, corn, sweet potato, different type of seasonal vegetables, cucumber and betel leaf. However, in most cases, spices like Chilli, onion, turmeric, ginger are not liked by elephant.

12

10

8

6

4

2

0 >

""D ""D .. ...

.. c:

~ :ii, :J .,,

.s c

8 ~ ...

I I I I

ii .s "' ~ ... .. .. .... :;;; ..c .!!

~ 8. j E

i " u ::i u

Figure 5.Sa: Rating of agricultural crop raided by elephants in the study sites from 2000-2011

~ I I I I I I I I ;I:: .. :; 2. c: :; ~ ~

c .2 .. c: c .. c: c

~ "' '.! " u .111 :::!; E tll !!I ~ Ill

~

Figure 5.Sb: Rating of different fruits raided by elephants in the study sites from 2000-2011

Depending on attraction and raiding intensity, a rating has been developed to categorize crops and fruits. Here, rating range 1-3 represent low damage, 4-6 represent medium damage and 7-1 O is high damage. Figure 5.Sa showed that among crops, rate of paddy raiding is high (10), followed by potato (8), sugarcane (7), vegetables (6), sweet potato, corn (5) and Cucumber and betel leaf (4). So, raiding intensity is high in paddy, sugarcane and potato; medium in vegetable, corn, sweet potato, cucumber and betel leaf.

On the other hand it was observed that fruits namely, jackfruit, banana, coconut, mango, water melon, betel nut, guava, pine apple, wood apples etc. were affected by elephants. But intensity of raiding was highest in jackfruit and banana (1 O), followed by coconut and watermelon (8), mango (6) and betel nut and guava (5) (Figure 5.5b).

Present Scenario of HEC in Bangladesh

CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS I

Asian elephant is an endangered animal in its global ranges (IUCN, 201 1) and categorized as Critically Endangered in Bangladesh (IUCN Bangladesh, 2000). It is listed in the third schedule of the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) Act (1974) and also included in CITES Appendix I. However, continued declining trend of its population throughout the habitat ranges, including Bangladesh, indicates that meaningful and effective protection may not be easily attainable.

HEC in terms of crop and house damage, injuries and deaths of both humans and elephants in the present day elephant ranges of the country are found to be increasing. According to various authors it is clear that the isolation of elephant population occurs largely due to the degradation and fragmentation of habitats caused by human enchroachment and activity throughout the elephant ranges (Sukumar, 1990). In the present study areas, increasing settlements, agricultural fields, fuel wood and fodder collection beyond sustainable level, habitat encroachment, human interference, construction of roads in reserved/protected forests are the major long term anthropogenic threats to elephants; similar problems are also apparent in all elephant ranges across the world (Sukumar, 1 990).

All these biotic factors have led to the destruction, degradation, fragmentation of resulting in the loss of corridors and connectivity between habitats. (Islam et al., 1999; Aziz, 2002; Khan, 2004; Feeroz, 2004 and Aziz et al., 2005). Within our study area for example, corridors, namely the Teknaf-Cox's Bazar-Nikheongchahari, Chunati-Nikhongchhari, Pablakhali-Mahilla-Shishok have been completely abandoned due to the reduction of forest cover, human settlement, extensive agricultural practices, road construction, tea and, rubber plantations etc. (Feeroz, 2004). It is widely recognized that corridors facilitate the movement of elephants between habitats, reduce the impact of fragmentation and enhance their viability (Bist, 2002). Therefore, the protection and maintenance of corridors is an essential part for elephant conservation. Unfortunately, no serious attempt has yet been made to identify, demarcate and protect elephant corridors in the elephant ranges of Bangladesh.

IUCN Bangladesh, under current initiative, has taken the initiative to map elephant corridors and routes for the first time in the country. This study revealed that there are 54 potential elephant corridors in the study areas, of which 53 are active while one is completely disrupted.


Protect existing forests and protected areas

Major habitats in the CHT have already been inhospitable for elephants in terms of forest coverage and fodder due to excessive and widespread shifting cultivation and illegal tree felling. The remaining forest cover also suffers from serious degradation in terms of habitat quality. Reports suggested that slash and burn agriculture in the hilly regions is the single most important factor for large scale destruction of elephant habitats in the CHT (Islam et al., 1999; Aziz, 2002 and Aziz et al., 2005). Given the circumstances, prevention of further degradation and destruction of natural forests including protected and reserve forests is urgently needed. In addition, protection of existing forest cover from illegal tree cutting, over-exploitation of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP), fuel wood collection and encroachment of habitats also need to be addressed seriously.

Many of the natural forests have been converted into commercial forests through monoculture plantations. However, diversity of the habitats in terms of plant variety is crucial for ensuring adequate fodder to elephants. Thus, further raising of Eucalyptus and Teak plantations in grasslands or degraded areas should be urgently arrested for the long term survival of elephants in Bangladesh. In addition, clear felling management practices by the FD should be replaced with selected felling method.

Restore degraded habitats

Habitat improvement can be one of the most long lasting and viable solutions to reduce HEC in the study areas. The paradigm shift of production forestry to conservation forestry is now a timely necessity. Preference of monoculture crop through commercial plantations in the natural forests is one of the major causes responsible for the depletion of preferred elephant fodder. Increasing trend of monoculture in the past led to loss of natural herbs and shrubs, consequently influencing biodiversity of the ecosystem. Invasion of native as well as exotic weeds is also creating an adverse impact of monoculture besides other impacts on elephant corridors. Bamboo and reed plantations can be one of the best options in the degraded habitats/corridors which can provide food to elephants. Artificial regeneration of bamboo and other browse species can also be initiated. The invasion of grasslands in the degraded habitats may be arrested by woody regeneration through suitable manipulation of fodder plants. Some of the most important corridors such as, corridors found in Shukhbilash, Potia, and Bashkhali should be restored by rehabilitation of settlements and regenerative plantations.

Regulate extraction of NTFP

The elephants do prefer many of the plant species, which are largely collected by local inhabitants as fuel wood. The predominant species in the elephant habitats in the study areas are bamboo and reeds which is proffered by elephants for fodder and as fuel wood to humans. Given the current habitat conditions in the study areas, the extraction of NTFP, especially bamboos, have already gone beyond sustainable levels and should be described as 'over-exploited~ Hence, extraction level of these plant species from the elephant habitats must be scientifically justified and managed.

Create conservation awareness

People living in and around the elephant habitats and corridors should be taught about HEC and its causes. At least, they can be trained to live with a problem which may not have an immediate solution. More important is to educate the future generations about the significance of elephants as well as nature conservation through informal environmental education and outreach programs in local elementary and high schools located in and around the elephant ranges.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Build capacity to deal HEC

One of the major challenges to deal with HEC lies in the issue of understaffing in the BFD. In addition, sufficient logistics and proper skill to tackle HEC by elephant and crowd management are also missing. Thus, these crucial areas of capacity needs should be addressed properly and urgently. In particular, Nature and Wildlife Conservation Circle of the BFD should be improved through recruiting adequate and skilled staff in the field. Further, there is a huge gap of understanding between BFD staff and local villagers in terms of forest protection and resource extraction. However, a strong mutual relationship between these two groups is crucial to ensure sustainable benefit sharing from the protection of forest and wildlife. For this to happen, both BFD officials and local people need to be trained to deal with HEC effectively.

Provide legal protection of corridors

Some experts suggested that there need to formulate a framework to provide legal backup for the protection of elephant corridors. They argue that elephant corridors are vital in ensuring migrations between connecting habitats which ultimately help reduce HEC in the elephant ranges. Thus, legal status of corridors can facilitate the mechanism for restoration and maintenance of the existing and degraded corridors for long term elephant conservation in the country.

Introduce of eco-development measures

It is now widely recognized that the current land use of slash and burn agriculture is no longer an economically viable solution for crop production in the hilly areas of CHT. Thus, alternative livelihood options for the local people living in and around the elephant ranges should be introduced. Some of the suitable viable options can be horticulture, piggery, beekeeping, handicrafts and ecotourism development. In addition, improved chula (stove) and production of biogas from household waste could be introduced to the local people to reduce the pressure of fuel wood collection from the forest.

Compensate for elephant victims

Elephants come into conflict with humans by damaging crops and houses, and killing people, which creates antagonistic feelings towards elephant conservation among locals. It is thus important to promote compensation schemes to farmers for losses in the elephant ranges. The Wildlife Compensation Policy 2010 is recognized as an important supportive initiative for the elephant victims in the country. However, it has been already stated that lengthy bureaucratic procedure to get compensation is rather disappointing.

Promote blo-fenclng and unpalatable crop production

In the areas of regular HEC, bio-fencing may be developed to deter elephants from frequently raiding houses and crops. In addition, farmers need to be encouraged to cultivate crops not proffered by elephants to reduce recurrent HEC. However, both of these measures again require identifying appropriate plant species and crops through further site-specific research.

Develop Elephant Conservation Action Plan (ECAP)

An action plan to guide future management interventions for the long term conservation of our elephants should be developed. Involvement of all stakeholder groups including local people of the elephant ranges and high level policy makers are essential for a focused and implementable guideline stating the short-term, medium term and long-term action oriented objectives.


REFERENCES I

Ahmed, R. (2003). 'Climate~ In: S. Islam & S. Miah (eds.), Banglapedia: national encyclopedia of Bangladesh,Volume 3, pp. 45-48. Dhaka. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.

Alam, M. K. (2008.) Forests and Forestry in Bangladesh. In: Ahmed, Z.U., Hassan, M.A., Begum, Z.N.T., Khondaker, M., Kabir, S.M.H., Ahmad, M., Ahmed, A.T.A., Rahman, AK.A. and Haque, E.U. (eds.), Encyclopedia of Flora and fauna of Bangladesh, vol. 1. pp. 73-86. Bangladesh Profile. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka.

Alexandre, D.Y. (1978). 'Le rOle disseminateur des elephants en for~t de Ta"i, COte d'lvoire~Terre et Vie 3,2:47-72.

ANCF. (2007). 'Elephant Statistics~ <http://www.Asiannature.org/resources/statistics.htm#aS>. Accessed 30 June 2011.

Archie, E.A., Moss, C.J. & Alberts, S.C. (2005). 'The ties that bind: genetic relatedness predicts the fission and fusion of social groups in wild African elephants~ Proceedings of the royal society B, 1-10.

Azad, M. (2006). 'Mammal diversity and conservation in a secondary forest in Peninsular Malaysia~ Biodiversity and conservation, 15: 1O1 3-1025.

Aziz, M.A. (2002). 'Ecology of Asian elephant, Elephas maxim us and its interactions with man in Chittagong and the Chittagong Hill Tracts~ Unpublished M.Sc. thesis, Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University.

Aziz, M.A., Feeroz, M.M. & Shahriar, A.F.M. (2005). 'Feeding movements of the Asian elephants in the northern side of the river Karnafuli in the Chittagong Hill-Tracts, Bangladesh~ Bangladesh journal of life science, 1 7 (1 ): 51-58.

Barnes, V., Barnes, K.L., Alers, M.P.T. & Blom, A. (1991). 'Man determines the distribution of elephants in the rain forests of northeastern Gabon~ African journal of ecology, 29(1 ): 54-63.

Bates, L.A., Sayialel, C.N., Njiraini, N.W., Poole, J.H., Moss, CJ. & Byrne, R.W. (2007). 'African elephants have expectations about locations of out-of-sight family members~ Biology letters, 1-3.

BBS. (2008). Statistical year book, 28th edition. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Bist, S.S. (2002). 'An overview of elephant conservation in India~ The Indian Forester, Vol. 128, 121-136.

The Asian Elepnants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict in South-Eastern Bangladesh

Blanc, JJ., Barnes, R.F.W., Craig, G.C., Dublin, H.T., Thouless, C.R., Douglas-Hamilton, I. & Hart, J.A.

(2007). African elephant status report. Gland, Switzerland. IUCN.

Chackraborty, T.R. (1996). The ecology and conservation of Elephants (Elephas maximus) M.Sc.

(Thesis) (unpublished). Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka.

Chapman, LJ., Chapman, C.A. & Wrangham, R.W. (1992). 'Balanites wilsoniana: Elephant

dependent dispersal?' Journal of Tropical Ecology, 8: 275-283.

Choudhury, A.U. (1999). 'Status and conservation of the Asian elephant Elephas maximus in north-eastern India: Mammal Review, 29: 141-1 73.

Chowdhuri, M. (2004). 'Technical report-1: Eelphant population census and threat identification:

In: Conservation of Asian elephants in Bangladesh, Technical report 1: 1-27. Dhaka.

IUCN Bangladesh Country Office. Ciszek, D. (1999). 'Elephas maximu~ Animal diversity web.

<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Elephas_maximus. html>. Accessed 1 March 2011.

CITES/WWF. (2004). 'Asian Elephant Fact Sheet:

<http://assets.panda.org/downloads/citesAsianElephantfactsheet.pdf>. Accessed 30

June 2011. Douglas-Hamilton, I. (1972). 'On the ecology and behaviour of the African elephant: Ph.D. Thesis. Oxford

University.

Douglas-Hamilton, I. (2009). 'The current elephant poaching trend: Pachyderm, 45:154-157.

Douglas-Hamilton, I. (1989). 'Overview of status and trends of the African elephane In: S. Cobb

(ed.) The ivory trade and the future of the African elephant. Ivory Trade Review Group,

International Development Center, Oxford, U.K.

Elephant Evolution. (2002-2011 ). 'Elephants evolution, Zoological classification:

<http://www.allelephants.com/allinfo/evol.php>. Accessed 12 July 2011.

ERi. (2008). 'Habitat destruction: Elephant Research International.

<http://www.elephantresearch.org/habitat.php> Accessed 12 July 2011. Feeroz, M.M. (2004). 'Technical report- 4: Management guideline for elephant conservation in

Bangladesh: In: Conservation of Asian elephants in Bangladesh, Technical report 4: 1-10. Dhaka. IUCN - The World Conservation Union, Bangladesh Country Office.

Feeroz, M.M., Aziz, M.A., Islam, M.T. & Islam, M.A. (2004). 'Human-elephant conflict in southeastern

hilly areas of Bangladesh: In: Jayewardene, J. (ed.) Endangered elephants: past, present

and future, pp. 98-102. Colombo, Sri Lanka. Biodiversity & elephant Conservation

Trust.

Fowler, M.E. & Mikota, S.K. (2006). Biology, medicine, and surgery of elephants. Blackwell publishing

Asia.

Garstang, M. (1994). 'Long distance, low-frequency elephant communication: Journal of

Comparative Physiology A, 190:791-805. Garstang, M., Larom, D., Rasper, R. & Lindeque, M. (1995). 'Atmospheric controls on elephant

communication: Journal of experimental biology, 198:939-951.

Gittins, B.P. & Akonda, A.W. (1982). 'What survive in Bangladesh?' Oryx, 16(3): 276-281.

Grimshaw, J.M., Cordeiro, N.J. & Foley, C.A.H. (1995). 'The mammals of Kilimanjaro: Journal of east

african natural history, 84: 105-139.

Hart, B.L., Hart, L.A., McCoy, M. & Sarath, C.R. (2001 ). 'Cognitive behaviour in Asian elephants: use

and modification of branches for fly switching: Animal behaviour, 62: 839-847. Harun, J. U. (2003). 'Chittagong district: In: S. Islam & S. Miah (eds.) Banglapedia, Volume 2, pp.

499-501. Dhaka. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Hedges, S. (2006). 'Conservation: In: M.E. Fowler & S.K. Mikota (eds.) Biology, medicine, and surgery

of elephants, pp.475-490. Oxford, UK. Blackwell publishing.

References

Hedges, S., Tyson, MJ., Sitompul, A.F., Kinnaird, M.F., Gunaryadi, D. & Asian. (2005). 'Distribution, status, and conservation needs of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Lampung Province, Sumatra, Indonesia: Biological Conservation, 124: 35-48.

lrfanullah, H.M. & Motaleb, M.A. (2011 ). 'Reading nature's mind: disaster management by the indigenous people of Bangladesh: Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 10(1): 80-90.

lshwaran, N. (2001).'lntegrating elephant conservation with protected area management in Sri Lanka: Gajah, 20: 27-38.

Islam, M.A., Khan, M.M.H., Kabir, M.M., Das, A.K.,Chowdhury, M.M., Feeroz, M.M. & Begum, S. (1999). 'Man-elephant interactions in Bangladesh in 1997: Bangladesh Journal of Life Science, 11: 31-36.

IUCN Bangladesh. (2000). Red book of threatened mammals of Bangladesh. Dhaka. IUCN Bangladesh Country office.

IUCN Bangladesh. (2004). Conservation of Asian elephants in Bangladesh. Dhaka. IUCN. IUCN Bangladesh. (2008). Action research for conservation of asian elephants in Bangladesh: phase

Ill. Final report. Dhaka, Bangladesh. IUCN. IUCN. (2011 ). 'IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Version 2011.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>.

Downloaded on 07 July 2011. IUCN/SSC. (2008). Strategic planning for species conservation: A handbook. Gland, Switzerland.

IUCN. Jackson, P. (1983). 'Replies to questionnaire on elephants and rhinos in Asia: Unpublished M.S.

Thesis. John, M.C. & Subramanian, R. (1991 ). 'The elephants: Zoo's print, 6: 1-4. Johnsingh, AJ.T. and Williams, A. C. (1999). 'Elephant corridors in India: lessons for other elephant

range countries: Oryx, 33 (3): 210-214. Joshi, R. & Singh, R. (2008). 'Feeding behaviour of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in the

Rajaji National Parle The journal of american science, 4(2): 3448. Joshi, R. & Singh, R. (2009). 'Wildlife corridors and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus): Lessons

from Rajaji National Park, North-West India: Journal of American Science, 5(5): 31-40. Kemf, E. & Santiapillai, C. (2000). Asian elephants in the wild. A WWF Species Status Report. Gland.

Switzerland. Khan, M. H. (2004). 'Tchnical report-3, Human elephant conflicts in Bangladesh and assessment of

financial losses: In: IUCN Bangladesh, Conservation of Asian elephants in Bangladesh, pp. Technical Report-3, 53. Dhaka. IUCN.

Khan, M.A.R. (1980). 'On the distribution and population status of the Asian elephant in Bangladesh: In: J.C. Daniel (ed.) The status of the Asian elephant in the Indian Subcontinent, pp. 63-72. BNHS.Bombay. IUCN/SSC report.

Khan, M.A.R. (1985). Mammals of Bangladesh. Dhaka, Nazma Reza. Khan, N.A. (2001 ). 'Introduction and summary: In: N. A. Khan, The vision and visage of the

Chittagong Hill Tracts, pp.10-24. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board and Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge.

Kinnaird, M.F., Sanderson, E.W., O'Brien, T.G., Wibisono, H.T. & Woolmer, G. (2003). 'Deforestation trends in a tropical landscape and implications for endangered large mammals: Conservation Biology, 17: 245-257.

Kurt, F. (1974). 'Remarks on the social structure and ecology of the Ceylon elephant in the Yala National Park: In: V. Geist and F. Walther (eds.) The behaviour of ungulates and its relation to management, pp. 618-634. Morges, Switzerland. IUCN New Series. No. 24, IUCN Morges.

Langbauer, Jr.W.R., Payne, K.B., Charif, R.A., Rapaport, L., & Osborn. F. (1991). 'African elephants

The Asian Elepnants and Associated Human-Elepnant Conflict in South-Eastern Bangladesh

respond to distant playbacks of low-frequency conspecific calls~ Journal of experimental biology, 157:35-46.

Langman, V.A., Roberts, TJ., Black, J., Maloiy, G.M.O., Heglund, N.C., Webers, J.M., Kram, R. & Taylor, C.R. (1995). 'Moving cheaply- energetics of walking in the African elephants~ Journal of experimental biology, 1 98 (3): 629-632.

Larom, D., Garstang, M., Payne, K., Raspet, R. & Lindeque, M. (1997). 'The influence of surface atmospheric conditions on the range and area reached by animal vocalizations~ Journal of experimental biology, 200: 421-431.

Lee, P.C. (1987). 'Allomothering among African elephants~ Animal behaviour, 35: 278-291. Lee, P.C. & Moss, CJ. (1 999). 'The social context for learning and behavioural development among

wild African elephants~ In: H.O. Box & K.R. Gibson (eds.) Mammalian Social learning, pp.102-125. UK. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Lee, P.C., Brennan, E.J., Else, J.G. & Altman, J. (1986). 'Ecology and behavior of vervet monkeys in atourist lodge habitat~ In: J. G. Else & P. C. Lee (eds.) Primate Ecology and Conservation, pp. 229-235. UK. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Leong, K., Ortolani, A., Burks, K. D., Mellen, J. D. & Savage, A. (2003). 'Quantifying acoustic and temporal characteristics of vocalizations for a group of captive African elephants Loxodonta africana'. Bioacoustics, 13: 213-231.

Mavatur, A. & Singh, M. (201 O). 'Behavior of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in a land use mosaic: conservation implications for human-elephant coexistence in the Anamalai hills, India~ Wild life biology in practice, 2(6): 69-80.

McComb, K., Moss, C., Sayialel, S. & Baker, L. (2000). 'Unusually extensive networks of vocal recognition in African elephants~ Animal behaviour, 59: 1103-9.

McComb, K., Reby, D. Baker, L. Moss, C. & Sayialel, S. (2003). 'Long-distance communication of cues to social identity in African elephants~ Animal behaviour, 65: 317-329.

McKay, G.M. (1973). 'Behaviour and ecology of the Asiatic lephant in Southeastern Ceylon~ Smithsonian contribution to zoology, 125: 1-113.

Miller, B., Reading, R., Strihlt, J., Caroll, C., Noss, R., Soule, M., Sanchez, 0., Terborgh. J. Brightsmith, D., Cheeseman, T. & Foreman, D. (1999). 'Using focal species in the design of nature reserve network~ Wild earth winter, 81-92.

Moss, CJ. (1983). 'Oestrous behaviour and female choice in the African elephane Behaviour, 86: 167-96.

Moss, C.J. (1988). Elephant memories. Thirteen years in the life of an elephant family. Elm tree books, London.

Moss, CJ. & Lee, P.C. (In Press). 'Female elephant social dynamics: Fidelity and flexibility~ In C.J. Moss, HJ. Craze & P.C. Lee (eds.), Amboseli Elephants: A long-term perspective on a long-lived mammal. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Nair, P.P. (1990). 'Problem of crop raiding by elephants in Kerela~ In: C.K. Karunakaran (ed.) Ecology, behavior and management of elephants, pp. 208-212. Kerala Forest Department, India.

Nath, C. & Sukumar, R. (1998). Elephant-human conflict in Kodagu, southern India: distribution patterns, people's perceptions and mitigation methods. Bangalore, India. Asian Elephant conservation center for ecological sciences, Indian Institute of Science.

Olivier, R. (1978). 'Distribution and status of the Asian elephant~ O~ 14: 379-424. Osmany, S.H. (2003). 'Chittagong City~ In: S. Islam & S. Miah (eds.) Banglapedia, Volume 2, pp.

491-497. Dhaka. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Pan, W., Lin, L., Luo, A. & Zhang, L. (2009). 'Corridor use by Asian elephants~ Integrative Zoology, 4:

220-231. Payne, K. (1998). Silent thunder: in the presence of elephants. New York. Simon and Schuster.

References

Payne, K. (2003). 'Sources of social complexity in the three elephant species~ In: F. B. M. de Waal & P. L. Tyack (eds.), Animal social complexity: Intelligence, culture, and individualized societies, pp. 57-85. Cambridge. Harvard University Press.

Payne, K.B.L., William R. & Thomas, E. M. (1986). 'Infrasonic calls of the Asian elephant~ Behavioral ecology and sociobiology, 18(4): 297-302.

Perera, B.M.A.O. (2009). 'The human-elephant conflict: A review of current status and mitigation methods~ Gajah, 30: 41-52.

Phanthavong, B. & Santiapillai, C. (1993). 'Conservation of elephants in Laos~ Tiger paper, 20 (3):21-19. Poole, J & Granli, P. (2009). 'Mind and movement: meeting the interests of elephants~ In: D. L.

Forthman, L. F. Kane & P. Waldau (eds.) An elephant in the room: The science and well being of elephants in captivity. North Grafton, Massachusetts. Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine's Center for Animals and Public Policy.

Poole, J. & Moss, C. (2008). 'Elephant sociality and complexity: The scientific evidence~ In: C. Wemmer & K. Christen (eds.) Never forgetting: elephants and ethics. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Poole, J. H. (1998). 'An exploration of a commonality between ourselves and elephants~ Etica & Animali, 9: 85-11 O

Poole, J. H., Tyack. P. L., Stoeger-Horwath, A. S. & Watwood, S. L. (2005). 'Elephants are capable of vocal learning~ Nature, 434: 455-456.

Poole, J.H. (1994). 'Sex differences in the behavior of African elephants~ In: R. Short & E. Balaban, (eds.) The differences between the sexes. Cambridge University Press.

Poole, J.H., Lee, P.C., Njiraini, N. & Moss, CJ. (In press).'Long-term reproductive patterns and musth~ In: CJ. Moss, HJ. Croze, & P.C. Lee (eds.) The Amboseli elephants: a long-term perspective on a long-lived mammal. Chicago. University of Chicago Press.

Poole, J.H., Payne, K.B., Langbauer, Jr.W.R. & Moss, CJ. (1988). 'The social contexts of some very low frequency calls of African elephants~ Behavioral ecology and sociobiology, 22:385-392.

Pradhan, N.M.B. & Wegge, P. (2007). 'Dry season habitat selection by a recolonizing population of Asian elephants Elephas maxim us in lowland Nepal~ Acta theriologica, 52: 205-214.

Rafi, M. (2001 ). 'Introduction to Chittagong Hill Tracts~ In: M. Rafi & A.M.R Chowdhury (eds.) Counting the Hills, assesing development in Chittagong Hill Tracts, pp. 3-19. Dhaka, Bangladesh. The University press limited.

Rafi, M. & Chowdhury, A.M.R. (eds.) (2001 ). Counting the Hills, assessing development in Chittagong Hill Tracts. Dhaka, Bangladesh. The University Press Ltd.

Rahman, S.M. (2008). 'Status, distribution, movement pattern and conservation of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in Cox's Bazar Forest Division~ M.Sc. Thesis (Unpublished).

Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka. RAIN. (201 O). 'Protect our elephants~ Resource awareness and integration with nature. India.

<http://www.rainindia.org/greennotes.html>. Accessed 16 June, 2011. Ranjitsingh, M.K. (1978). 'IUCN/ SSC Asian elephant group news 3, Bangladesh~ Tigerpaper, 5(2):

28-33. Rasmussen, L.E.L. & Krishnamurthy, V. (2000). 'How chemical signals integrate Asian elephant

society: the known and the unknown~ Zoo biology, 19: 405-423. Rasmussen, L.E.L. & Schmidt, B.A. (1998). 'Chemical signals in the reproduction of Asian (Elephas

maximus) and African (Loxodonta africana) elephants~ Animal reproduction science 53: 19-34.

Rasmussen, L.E.L. & Wittemyer. G. (2002). 'Chemosignaling of musth by individual wild African elephants (loxodonta africana): implications for conservation and managemene Proceeding of royal society of london, 269: 853-860.

Rasmussen, L.E.L., Hall-Martin, A. & D.L. Hess. (1996). 'Chemical profiles of African bull elephants


(Loxodonta africana); physiological and ecological implications~ Journal of mammalogy, 77: 422-439.

Rood, E., Ganie, A. A. & Nijman. V. (2010). 'Using presence-only modelling to predict Asian elephant habitat use in a tropical forest landscape: implications for conservation~ Diversity and distributions, 16: 975-984.

Roy, R. D., Guhathakurta, M., Mohsin, A., Tripura, P. & Gain, P. (2000). The Chittagong Hill Tracts, life and nature at risk. Dhaka. Society for environment and human development.

Roy, R.D. (1992). 'The erosion of land and constitutional safeguards of the hill peoples of the CHT in Bangladesh: an historical account~ Paper delivered at the seminar on 'The Chittagong Hill Tracts problem in Bangladesh: Organized by the Manoghar Shishu Sadan, Rangamati, 20-22 April, 1992.

Samansiri, K.A.P. & Weerakoon, D.K. (2007). 'Feeding behaviour of Asian elephants in the northwestern region of Sri Lanka~ Gajah, 27: 27-34

Santiapillai, C. & Widodo, S. R. (1993). 'Why do elephants raid crops in Sumatra~ Gajah, 11: 62-65. Santiapillai, C. & Jackson, P. (1990). The Asian elephant: an action plan for its conservation. IUCN,

Gland, Switzerland. Santiapillai, C.& Suprahman, H. (1986). The ecology of the elephants (Elephas maximus L.) in the Way

Kambas Game Reserve. Sumatra. report, WWF/ IUCN, Bogor. Sarker, A. H. M. R, & R0skaft, E. (2010). 'Human attitudes towards conservation of Asian elephants

(Elephas maximus) in Bangladesh~ International journal of biodiversity and conservation, 2(10): 316-327.

Schulte, B. A. (2000). 'Social structure and helping behavior in captive elephants~ Zoo biology, 19(5): 447-459.

Seidensticker, J. (1984). Managing elephant depredations in agricultural and forestry projects. Washington, D.C. World Bank Technical Report.

Shannon, G., Matthews, W.S., Page, B.R., Parker, G.E. & Smith, RJ. (2009). The affects of artificial water availability on large herbivore ranging patterns in savanna habitats: a new approach based on modelling elephant path distributions. Diversity and distributions, 15: 776-783.

Shoshani, J. (1992). 'Anatomy and physiology~ In: J. Shoshani (ed.) Elephant, pp. 66-81. USA. Weldon Owen.

Shoshani, J., Hagos, Y., Yacob, Y., Ghebrehibet, M., and Kebrom. E. (2004). 'Elephants (Loxodonta aficana) of Zoba Gash Barka, Eritrea: Part II numbers and distribution, ecology and behaviour, and fauna and flora in their ecosystem~ Pachyderm, 36: 52-68.

Siddiqi, M. (2003). 'Cox's Bazar district~ In: S. Islam & S. Miah (eds.) Banglapedia: national encyclopedia of Bangladesh, Volume 3, pp. 146-148. Dhaka. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh

Soltis, J., Leong, K. & Savage, A. (2005a). 'African Elephant vocal communication I: antiphonal calling behaviour among affiliated females~ Animal behaviour, 70: 579-587.

Soltis, J., Leong, K. & Savage, A. (2005b). 'African elephant vocal communication II: rumble variationreflects the individual identity and emotional state of callers~ Animal behaviour, 70: 589-599.

Stephenson, PJ. (2007). WWF Species Survival Plan, African Elephant 2007-2011. World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Gland, Switzerland.

Stoeger-Horwath, A., Stoeger, S., Schwammer, H. & Kratochvil, H. (2007). 'Vocal repertoire of infant African elephants-first insights into the early vocal ontogeny~ Journal of the acoustical society of America, 121 : 3922-3931.

Sukumar, R. & Gadgil, M. (1988). 'Male female differences in foraging on crops by Asian elephants~ Anina/ Behaviour, 36: 1233-1235.

References

Sukumar, R. (1989a). The Asian elephant - ecology and management. Cambridge, UK. Cambridge University Press.

Sukumar, R. (1989b). 'Ecology of the Asian elephant in southern India. I. movement and habitat utiliztion patterns~ Journal of tropical ecology, 5 (1 ): 1-18.

Sukumar, R. (1990). 'Ecology of the Asian elephant in southern India. II. feeding habits and crop raiding patterns'. Journal of tropical ecology, 6 (1 ): 33-53.

Sukumar, R. (2003). The living elephants: evolutionary ecology, behavior, and conservation. New York. Oxford University Press.

Sukumar, R., Bhattacharya, S.K. & Krishnamurthy, R.V. (1987). 'Carbon isotopic evidence for different feeding patterns in an Asian elephant population~ Current Science, 56: 11-14.

USFWS. (2002). 'Asian elephant conservation act: summary report. 1999- 2001 ~Washington. Division of International Conservation. <http://library.fws.gov/ia_pu bs/ Asian_Elephant_conserv99-01.pdf> Accessed 22 June 2011.

Vancuylenberg, B.W.B. (1977) 'Feeding behavior of the Asiatic elephant in southeast Sri Lanka in relation to conservation~ Biological conservation, 12: 33-54.

Vidya, T.N.C. & Sukumar, R. (2005). 'Social and reproductive behavior in elephants~ Current science,

89: 1200-1207. Wall, J., Douglas-Hamilton, I. & Vollrath, F. (2006). 'Elephants avoid costly mountaineering~ Current

biology, 1 6: 1 4. Whyte, IJ. (2004). 'Ecological basis of the new elephant management policy for Kruger National

Park and expected outcomes~ Pachyderm, 36: 99-108. Wittemyer, G., Douglas-Hamilton, I. & Getz, W.M. (2005). 'The socioecology of elephants: analysis of

the processes creating multitiered social structures~ Animal behaviour, 69: 1357-71. WWF. (2011 ). 'Elephant-overview~ World Wildlife Fund.

<http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/elephants/elephants.html>. Accessed 12 July 201 1.


IUCN Ontermrtlonal Union for Conserwtlon of Nature)

Bangladesh Country Office House 11, Road 138, Gulshan 1 Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Tel: 880-2-9890423, 9890395 Fax: 880-2-9892J!54 E-mail: [email protected]

wwwjucn.org/bangladesh

Documents

The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict in … · 2015-08-27 · The Asian Elephants and Associated Human-Elephant Conflict in South-Eastern Bangladesh. IUCN (International