Student University of Nevada, Reno Tracy, California, United States
The objective of this research project is to evaluate the relationship between forest structure and elephant residence time within wildlife corridors. Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) is the negative impacts associated with human and elephant habitat overlap. Increased time spent by elephants in populated areas also increases the likelihood of HEC.
Learning Objectives:
Identify trends in Sri Lankan elephant corridor movement and forest structure: Sri Lankan elephants are herbivorous browsers that spend most of their waking hours searching for food. They have also been shown in prior research to prefer second-growth vegetation. Any preferred vegetation that is within reach of elephants is likely to result in their stopping to feed. This research project will evaluate the extent that forest structure variables such as diameter at breast height, canopy cover, and tree height play a role in the presence of elephants in corridors.
Articulate the value of international collaboration with environmental stakeholders: International collaboration not only allows for the exchange of novel ideas, but also encourages one to consider the ethics of how they enter new spaces to conduct research. Collaborating with stakeholders and Sri Lankan scientists is imperative to respecting the culture of the country, understanding the full scope of the issue of HEC, and designing sound research methods. This poster will outline the process of collaboration with the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society and explain what was learned from it.
Summarize the issue and implications of Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka: Instances of injury and death of humans and elephants as a result of HEC within wildlife corridors is only one facet of a much greater problem. Human development of the landscape for agriculture and the resulting encroachment of elephant habitat is the primary cause of HEC. Farmers and rural families are the group most affected by HEC, and they are also one of the most marginalized groups in the country. Crop-raiding by elephants causes financial strain, leading to tension and backlash against elephants.
