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Assessment of crop damage by Asian wild elephants in Jhapa District, Nepal

Publication Type  Journal Article
Year  2003
Authors  Yadav, B, R.
Journal  Banko Janakari
Volume  13
Pages  50-56
ISBN  1016-0582
Abstract  

Bahundangi Village Development Committee (BVDC) was selected for crop damage assessment by Asian Wild Elephants ( Elephas maximus ). Out of 9 wards of BVDC, 8 wards were selected for household survey. Regression analysis were carried out to define crop raiding based on the distance of wards and wildlife habitat. Paired T-tests were carried out to compare the economic loss in 1999 and 2001. The number of the small and big herds were composed of 10-13 and 50-74 elephants, respectively. The big herd raided BVDC and Darjeeling district in India, whereas the small herds raided areas from Jhapa to Udayapur districts (about 200 km from East to West). Within one and half decades, elephants demolished 277 houses and killed 66 people in the 5 districts; 23 elephants were killed. The damage due to elephants vary within wards. Economic loss of US$ 54567.00 in 1999 and US$ 33669.00 in 2001 were estimated. Farmers of VDC spend US$ 175.90 to US$ 228.60 to deter elephants. The paper suggests compensatory regulations as a solution to the problems.