As elephant habitat shrinks and human populations expand, conflict over land and crops is intensifying across Africa and Asia. Both elephants and people suffer significant welfare harms, and evidence-based coexistence strategies can reduce losses for both.
HEC generates profound welfare costs on both sides of the conflict. Elephants killed in retaliation die from poisoning, spearing, or shooting — often after prolonged suffering. Crop-raiding elephants that are chased, harassed, or subjected to noise deterrents experience acute fear and stress. The psychological impact on elephant family groups of losing members to human conflict is significant — elephants show clear grief responses and behavioural disruption following deaths. For humans, the loss of crops and livelihoods, and the trauma of injury and bereavement, are also serious welfare harms. Effective coexistence solutions simultaneously protect human livelihoods and reduce elephant mortality, creating aligned incentives. The beehive fence — simple, low-cost, and effective — is an example of a technology that reduces elephant stress while protecting crops without lethal control.