Lethal Fence Electrocution: A Major Threat to Asian Elephants in Assam, India

Abstract

India has the largest population of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) worldwide. Habitat fragmentation and loss of habitat have diminished food resources, and wild elephants have resorted to raiding crops grown within or adjacent to their home range. Elephants are often deliberately electrocuted for foraying into human-used areas, and this is a key reason for elephant mortalities in India. We collated data on elephant mortalities for a 13-year period (2003–2016) from the Forest Department records. We conducted surveys across Sonitpur District (East and West Forest Division), Assam, where electric fences are installed and documented their location, properties, and elephant presence. Overall, 138 elephants died between 2003 and 2016 due to retaliation, electrocution, accidental or natural death, and unknown reasons. We recorded 47 electric fences (27 lethal and 20 nonlethal) of which 49% were situated within notified forest boundaries. Most lethal fences (63%) protected agriculture fields and were seasonal installations, whereas nonlethal fences protected settlements and forest edges (25% each) and were permanent. Individuals controlled 52% of all lethal fences, while nonlethal fences were primarily controlled by the communities (50%). Most lethal fences (83%) were less than 1 km, whereas 80% of nonlethal fences were over 1 km. Elephant presence was seasonal in 56% of lethal fence locations and year-round in 85% of nonlethal fence locations. We postulate habitat loss and encroachment as two key drivers of fence installations. We recommend rehabilitation of encroachers, monitoring of areas where electricity is tapped illegally, sensitization of local communities, and involving multiple stakeholders to help reduce elephant mortalities because of electrocution.