Factors affecting crop damage by elephants in the buffer zone of Huai Kha Khaeng, a world heritage site

Abstract

Context Human–elephant conflict is a growing global problem. To mitigate such conflict, understanding factors affecting elephant intrusions into human-dominated areas is crucial. These factors are, however, complex because they are site specific and context dependent. Aims This study aimed to identify factors associated with crop damage incidents from elephants in a buffer zone of a protected area in western Thailand. Methods Interviews were conducted with local people to quantify crop damage by elephants between November 2020 to April 2021. We used compositional analysis to determine whether different crop types received different damage from elephants, and logistic regression analysis to examine environmental factors associated with crop damage incidents. Key results Although it was previously thought that elephants focus on dominant palatable crops, we found that small patches of highly preferred crops can influence where elephants choose to feed. Distance from village was also a significant factor in crop foraging. Crop damage was not different between dry and wet seasons, probably because key crops were available year-round. Conclusions Crop damage occurred across multiple crop types but mainly those with higher sugar content. The damage mostly occurred in fields farther from villages, suggesting that presence of humans may alter elephant crop foraging. No specific seasonal period of crop damage was observed. Implications Changing crop types from species preferred by elephants to less preferred species and growing mixed species (multi-crop systems) instead of single species (mono-crops) may reduce elephant incursions. However, this needs field testing, including market-based assessments to evaluate the economic viability for farmers.