Evaluation of Human—Elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) Conflict in Aceh Province, Indonesia

Abstract

The occurrence of human-elephant conflict varies and extends in the elephant’s home ranges. In general, the conflict is generated by the damage of agricultural crops. The purpose of this study is to evaluate conflict from the wild elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) in Aceh Province. This study was conducted in five sub-dictricts (Cot Girek, Mane, Meureudu, Sampoiniet and Pante Ceureumen) with documented human-elephant conflicts byusing interview and questionnaires methods. The data were obtained from the communities directly affected by elephant crop raiding, as well as indigenous leaders and local government officials. The data collected includes causes of human-elephant conflict and typology of human-elephant conflict in Aceh Province. The data are analyzed in descriptions to give a specific picture of the cause of human-elephant conflict and its typology in Aceh. The results showed that expansion of agricultural land, plantations, settlements and forestry industries directly affect the reduction of elephant habitat, which may cause human-elephant conflict. The typology of human-elephant conflicts are; damaging plants/vegetation, damaging cottages and community houses, attacking human and/or elephants killed by humans. The study gives a special illustration of human-elephant conflicts which may facilitate the effort and participation of the community to mitigate future conflicts in Aceh.