RESEARCH ARTICLE

EFFECTIVENESS OF ELECTRIC FENCING IN SRI LANKA IN MITIGATION OF HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICT: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Human elephant conflict (HEC) has become a major environmental issue in Sri Lanka, which is at an escalating trend with more elephant and human deaths, property damages, and many recoverable and unrecoverable losses. Fragmentation and loss of natural habitats, disturbances of migratory routes due to increasing human settlements are the prominent reasons for the conflict. With a view of mitigating the HEC, a number traditional as well as introduced measure has been adopted by communities and Department of Wildlife Conservation. Among the various abatement strategies, electric fences appear to be the most preferred.

Against this background, the study on the five electric fences namely, Kandaketiya, Kalagama, Herathgama, Mahaweli System G and Lunugamvehera was carried out with the objective of finding out the effectiveness of electric fences in Sri Lanka. The data were collected from 238 respondents and officers in DWLC regional offices. The study revealed that proper maintenance of the electric fences is the key factor for their effectiveness. The level of community participation for maintaining of the electric fences and acceptance levels of the fences is depicted through their attitudes and perceptions. Further, involvements of community based organizations (CBOs) were crucial in establishment and maintenance. Social factor appear to more important than technical factors. The study makes suggestions based on findings for improved level of community participation and acceptance for effective fencing.

The study targets to evaluate the role of social factors to increase the effectiveness of electric fencing in Sri Lanka. The specific objectives are; to investigate the social acceptance and perception of mitigation measures of the conflict and to identify the needed measures to improve the social acceptance and community support on electric fencing.

Keywords: Electric Fencing, Mitigation of Mitigation of Human Elephant Conflict,Social Aspect

How to Cite: Premarathne,P.K,Gunarathne,L.H.P, (2006). EFFECTIVENESS OF ELECTRIC FENCING IN SRI LANKA IN MITIGATION OF HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICT: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL ASPECTS.WILDLANKA, 1(1):Pages 107-114

Published On:2006-01-01

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