Abstract:
Human-elephant Conflict (HEC) is a significant issue in the Gomarankadawala
Divisional Secretariat (DS) Division of Trincomalee district, Sri Lanka. The problem
has intensified due to human population growth and decreasing forest cover. Hence,
this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the 30 km solar-powered electric fence
installed in 2022 in the 'Twelve Yaya' area of the Gomarankadawala DS Division
Trincomalee. For this study, detailed information on HEC incidents including human
and elephant deaths and injuries, as well as crop and property damage was gathered
for the periods before and after the fence installation. Data collection involved
questionnaire surveys and reviewing records available in the Department of Wildlife
Conservation, Agrarian Service Centers, and the DS office at Gomarankadawala. T
test method was used to determine the statistical significance of the differences in
HEC incidents before and after installation of the electric fence. The results revealed
a 90% reduction in crop and property damage incidents after the installation of the
solar-powered electric fence. Furthermore, an independent T-test indicated a
significant difference (p<0.05) in crop and property damage across the Twelve Yaya
in the Gomarankadawala DS division between Maha (2022/23) and Yala (2023)
seasons. After the installation of the fence, a few elephant approaches were reported
but damage was minimal. Overall, the solar-powered fencing effectively mitigates
human-elephant conflict by safeguarding crops and property of the residents in the
study area ensuring the lives of both elephants and humans.
