Technology, Wildlife-Human Conflict and Measures of Prevature Against the Human-Elephant Conflict

Thiloththama Jaysinghe , Editor

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Image source : Wildife conservation

There has been widespread human-elephant conflict throughout Sri Lanka with human loss and a general attrition towards slow elephant extinction. Ongoing human-elephant conflict remains proof that an equipoised resolution leading to assurance for the co-existence of elephants as well as humans has not been achieved yet. Farm crop raiding in pursuit of agricultural food takes a toll on fields as well as on saved crops. Farmers, hence, lose out and turn to negative tactics in the defense of their livelihood. The solution needs to address providing both parties with sustainable food sources to avert conflict in its inception.

Expansion of Human-Wildlife Conflict: The Role of Monkeys

Aside from elephants, other animals such as howler monkeys (Rila) are also a major nuisance to farmers. They invade fields, consuming crops, fruits, and even coconut plantations. Similar to elephants, the pursuit of food leads them into human habitations, incurring economic loss and more tension. The core issue remains the same: the lack of enough food sources in their natural environment. The solution to this scarcity is the way to stop them from invading cultivated fields.

Image source : South China Morning

Weed Ball Concept: An Environmental Solution

Another innovative solution for human-wildlife conflict is the Weed Ball Concept of Farhills Ceylon. The clay balls that include a mixture of food crop seeds and compost fertilizer are planted into wildlife habitats. When rain falls, the clay breaks down, and the seeds sprout to become a natural source of food for wild animals. By providing sufficient food sources for elephants and monkeys in the wild, they are less likely to invade human settlements.

Community Involvement in Weed Ball Production

An integral aspect of this project includes involving schoolchildren, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds, in the production of such weed balls. Not just do they receive education on nature conservation but also receive scholastic materials and financial incentives along with their dignity intact while enabling them to assist in a truly significant conservation drive.

Image source : Farhills Ceylon

Image source : Farhills Ceylon

The Role of Drone Technology in Wildlife Conservation

Skhyperion Concepts Pvt Ltd has come up with drones that significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Weed Ball campaign. The advanced drones are capable of seeding weed balls in vast tracts of forests, thereby ensuring food security for wildlife. The Legacy Attis 12L and 25L drones are particularly important since they can carry 12 to 25 liters of liquid fertilizer or pesticide, thereby enabling large-scale agricultural support and wildlife protection operations.

Other Applications of Drones

Besides the dispersal of weed balls, these drones have a number of other benefits:

1. Spraying of Fertilizers and Pesticides – They can easily spray fertilizers across fields, saving a lot of time and labor for farmers.

2. Water Transport to Wildlife – During periods of drought, drones can transport and deliver water to places not reachable by land.

3. Emergency Medicinal Aid – Wherever there is an emergency medication needed for plants or animals in forests, drones can be dispatched to administer the medication.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation– Drones can assess how effective the Weed Ball program has been by checking if the plants have germinated well and if the animal community is reaping benefits.

The Future of Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

The application of technology-based conservation measures, such as the application of drones for reforestation and food supply resilience, is a giant step towards addressing human-wildlife conflict. The intersection of conservationists, farmers, and technology innovators has the potential to result in harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.

Moreover, training over 250 drone operators makes the initiative sustainable in the long term, creating jobs while simultaneously protecting wildlife and human habitations.

Human-wildlife conflicts, particularly those between monkeys and elephants, have been a curse in Sri Lanka for decades. However, initiatives like the Weed Ball Concept and the utilization of drones offer a ray of hope for a sustainable solution. By focusing on providing proper food sources to wildlife, investing in new technology, and involving the community in conservation, human lives and biodiversity can be preserved and conflicts prevented. Through constant investment and endeavor, these strategies can bring a revolutionary change to wildlife conservation and sustainable agriculture.