Assessing the Efficacy of Multiple Elephant Deterrents in the Kilombero Valley,Tanzania

Abstract

Background and research aims: Human-elephant conflict (HEC) poses a threat to elephant conservation and community livelihoods, as elephants damage crops. Finding methods that farmers can use to reduce elephant damage is important for managing conflict. Together with local farmers, we trialed the efficacy of: 1) solar-powered strobe light fencing, 2) the combination of beehive and metal strip fencing, and 3) the combination of beehive and solar light fencing at deterring elephants. Methods: Fences were linear in configuration, located on frontline farms. The solar light fence was 2 km long. The beehive-metal strip fencing had a 300m test section (beehives + metal strips), and an 850m control section (beehives only). The beehive-solar light fencing had a 750m test section (beehives + solar lights) and a 1550m control section (beehives only). We assessed elephant responses to the fences using ground surveys and camera traps. Results: Elephants encountering the solar light fencing crossed the fence on 33% of approaches and avoided the fence on 59% of approaches (n=154 approaches) over 36 months. However, the deterrent effect of the fence declined over time. Elephants encountering beehive-metal strip fencing crossed the fence on 45% of approaches at test sections and 92% of approaches at control sections over 13 months (n=23 approaches). Elephants encountering beehive-solar light fencing crossed the fence on 33% of approaches at test sections and 92% of approaches at control sections over 13 months (n=15 approaches). Elephants were more vigilant at test than at control sections. Male elephants approached and crossed the fence more often than female groups. Conclusion: We show that additional deterrents to beehive fences can enhance their efficacy, and that solar lights can deter elephants from farmland, although efficacy declined over time. Conservation implications: These findings can assist farmers and conservationists in making informed decisions to mitigate elephant crop damage.