Mapping potential human-elephant conflict hotspots with UAV monitoring data

Abstract

Human–elephant conflicts (HECs) threaten both elephants and humans globally. Many modern techniques have been adopted to mitigate HECs, including remote sensing with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Based on the UAV monitoring data of wild Asian elephants in China, we mapped the potential HEC hotspots and identified the possible related environmental factors. Our results indicated that there were six clusters of UAV-monitored elephant positions, and these corresponded to the previously known elephant subpopulations. According to the local Getis-Ord Gi* statistic, the potential HEC hotspots were mainly distributed around Mangao subreserve, Jingne Town, Mengman Town and near Mengwang Town. Physical barriers, including large rivers and highways, separated elephant position clusters and potential HEC hotspot areas. Generally, the potential HECs were near human settlements when the loss of human and elephant lives were emphasized more than the loss of economic plants. In addition, the potential HEC hotspots were distributed in regions with both lower slopes and lower river cover but higher food-rich covers. There have been few reports on HEC mapping based on UAV monitoring data, and our study may help widen and deepen the application of UAVs in mitigating HECs in China and elsewhere in the future.

Keywords

• Drone
• Human–wildlife conflict (HWC)
• Asian elephants
• Elephas maximus
• Early warning
• Hotspot analysis