Two Decades of Human-Elephant Conflict in Jharkhand: Spatial and Ecological Drivers of Human Fatalities

Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) is a major issue in South Asia, especially in India, where rapid development and increased human-elephant overlap intensify the problem. We analyzed human fatality and injury patterns over 23 years (2000-2023) in Jharkhand, identified influencing factors, and prioritized villages for targeted mitigation. We collected data from 22 Forest Divisions, comprising 1740 incidents, including 1340 fatalities and 400 injuries, predominantly in Ranchi, Khunti, and East Singhbhum. The rise in conflict incidents during the monsoon season could be associated with poor visibility. Spatial analysis revealed that conflict hotspots are concentrated near protected areas and fragmented forest habitats. High-conflict villages exhibit greater cropland and built-up areas, while medium- and low-conflict villages show variability in land use patterns. Landscape fragmentation metrics, such as forest patch density, are significantly associated with conflict intensity, emphasizing the role of habitat degradation and fragmentation. Proximity to forests, water sources, roads, and elephant reserves strongly influences conflict risks. While urbanization disrupts elephant corridors, forest-edge areas near agricultural zones are critical conflict zones. Therefore, mitigation strategies must prioritize high-conflict villages, including villages Ramua, Chatambari, Gerapokhar, Gagi, Bhatin, and Koderma, through targeted interventions. Our study highlights the necessity of integrating ecological and socio-economic dimensions into conflict mitigation, emphasizing habitat restoration, land use, and targeted infrastructure planning, and community engagement. By implementing such measures, it is possible to reduce the underlying drivers of HEC, thereby safeguarding human lives while ensuring elephant conservation and contributing to broader biodiversity and ecosystem health goals.