A new scientific study analysing 24 years of data has revealed how shrinking forests, fragmented elephant corridors, expanding settlements and monoculture plantations are intensifying human-elephant conflict across Assam.
The study, published in the international journal PeerJ, examined 1,806 incidents of human-elephant conflict (HEC) recorded across the state between 2000 and 2023. The incidents resulted in 1,468 human deaths and 337 injuries, highlighting one of India’s most severe wildlife-related crises.
The research was conducted by Athira N.G., Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Kalpana Roy, Ananya Dutta, Dheeraj Mittal, Parag Nigam, Anukul Nath and Bilal Habib from the Wildlife Institute of India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research.
Researchers analysed data collected from 21 forest divisions across Assam using spatial analysis, kernel density mapping and statistical modelling to identify ecological and human-related causes behind the conflict.
The study found that conflict hotspots were concentrated near fragmented forests, agricultural fields bordering protected areas, tea plantations, human settlements and elephant reserves.
According to the findings, Goalpara, Sonitpur and Udalguri emerged as the worst-affected districts. Sonitpur recorded 266 deaths during the study period, followed by Goalpara with 175 and Udalguri with 168 deaths.
The study further revealed that 527 villages across Assam experienced some form of elephant conflict during the 24-year period. Among the worst-affected villages were Likhak Gaon with 73 incidents, Jorhat with 41, Ambari with 40, Uttar Dimakuchi and Jogigaon with 30 each, and Gormara Gaon with 28 incidents.
Researchers observed that high-conflict villages were often characterised by habitat fragmentation, rapid urbanisation and limited water resources, factors that increase interactions between humans and elephants.
The study identified a strong seasonal pattern behind the conflicts, with most incidents occurring during the monsoon and post-harvest periods when farming activities increase and elephants move into agricultural fields searching for food and water.
Men were found to be disproportionately affected because of outdoor activities such as farming, crop guarding and travelling at night.
The researchers also highlighted the importance of water availability in reducing conflict. According to the study, villages with better water availability experienced fewer incidents because elephants had less need to enter human settlements in search of water. In contrast, areas facing water scarcity witnessed more frequent encounters.
The study found that villages surrounded by extensive tea plantations experienced higher levels of conflict. Researchers explained that tea gardens often act as transition zones between forests and human settlements. Although they provide vegetation cover for elephants, reduced forest connectivity and proximity to populated areas increase the likelihood of human-elephant encounters.
The study noted that monoculture plantations such as tea estates significantly affect elephant movement patterns and contribute to conflict escalation.
Despite the alarming findings, researchers expressed optimism about achieving coexistence between humans and elephants in Assam.
The study recommended restoring forest connectivity, protecting elephant corridors and improving water availability within elephant habitats.
Researchers also suggested cultivating “buffer crops” such as chilli, ginger, garlic and citrus fruits, which elephants generally avoid.
Other recommended measures included elephant-friendly low-voltage hanging electric fences, rapid-response teams, infrared trip-wire alarm systems and community-based elephant alert networks using mobile applications to warn villagers in real time.
The study stressed that a combination of habitat restoration, scientific planning and community participation would be essential for reducing conflict and ensuring long-term coexistence between humans and elephants in Assam.
