Ecosystem management to reduce human–elephant conflict in Thailand

Elephant populations are in decline worldwide. The Asian elephant is a listed endangered species with an estimated population that has halved in the last century with approximately 40,000 and 50,000 remaining, most of which are in India where conservation efforts have helped restore some populations. This study examines the role of protected areas to support elephant populations while minimizing the human–elephant conflict (HEC) that can arise when protected areas abut human settlement. Our study area is a typical protected area for elephants in Thailand: Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary. Limited food and water sources for elephants in the sanctuary have led to elephants entering nearby villages, damaging crops and property, with some human and elephant loss of life. The novel contribution of this study is using economic analysis to calculate the net present values of policy options that authorities have put forth to reduce HEC. The policies include varying combinations of ecosystem management, physical investments, and crop alterations. The combination of habitat improvement, physical barriers, and elephant contraception yields the highest net present values under a variety of simulations. This combination may not be sustainable over time, however, due to the limited capacity in the park to accommodate a growing elephant population. Thus, like other studies, this suggests the need for expansion of protected areas for wildlife.