Villagers’ experiences, perceptions of human-elephant conflict and attitudes towards elephant conservation in south-eastern Bangladesh

Abstract

We describe villagers’ experiences and perceptions of human-elephant conflict (HEC), and attitudes towards elephant conservation near elephant habitat in southeastern Bangladesh. The study was based on a questionnaire survey administered through in person interviews. We sampled 171 respondents across 109 villages. The results showed that crop raiding and damage to houses, fruit gardens, and seedlings were perceived as the causes of conflict. Seventy percent believed habitat improvement as useful for HEC mitigation and 73% favoured elephant conservation, at least in principle.