Grass loss worsens human-elephant conflicts in Dharmapuri

Chennai: The lack of diverse, palatable varieties of grass in the Dharmapuri forest division has intensified human-elephant conflicts (HEC) in the Palacode, Pennagaram and Hogenakkal areas, according to a recent study conducted by forest officials. I Anwardeen, project dDirector of the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening and Climate Change Response (TBGPCCR), said study, conducted between February and May, identified the proliferation of invasive species such as Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora as a significant factor in the depletion of native grasses. These invasive plants have taken root in various locations, including villages and towns, and have spread along the Cauvery rier and its tributaries, reducing the availability of natural grazing for elephants.

With limited access to native grasses, elephants have increasingly turned to crop raiding in nearby villages. The study calls for immediate efforts to restore a variety of palatable plants in forest areas, which would help mitigate these conflicts. The study says human-elephant conflict, particularly crop damage, tends to increase during the dry season, when elephants frequent the Dharmapuri forest division.



While compensation for crop losses could pacify locals temporarily, many residents expressed scepticism about finding a long-term solution. The study recommends raising awareness through education programmes to encourage community participation in resolving these conflicts. Efforts are already underway to restore the habitat, with forest officials reintroducing palatable grass species in areas where invasive plants have been cleared.

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