Alleviating Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka

why it's important:

I completed a two month internship with the Uda Walawe Elephant Research Project this past summer. During my internship, I worked closely with local farmers and learned about their plight first hand. I also had the privilege to observe wild elephants roaming in their natural habitat. A delicate balance exists between the farmers and elephants in Uda Walawe National Park. My love for the elephants and my friendship with the villagers has motivated me to find a solution to the current confrontational atmosphere between humans and wildlife.

the plan of action:

The Uda Walawe Elephant Research Project is the first-ever long-term study of Asian elephants in the wild. Asian elephants are classified as ‘endangered’ under the IUCN Red List, with their number one threat being loss of habitat. One goal of the project is to research sustainable agriculture alternatives that provide economic security to farmers and reduce human-elephant conflict in areas surrounding the park. Some of these methods include modifying the structural layout of agricultural plots and incorporating elephant-resistant crops, such as chilies, into the farm plots to deter elephants from coming onto the land. The Uda Walawe Elephant Research Project will continue to partner with the farmers and local schools to disseminate our research and incorporate community outreach into our project.

Currently we are running a fund-raising program to support our new research assistant, Tharanga. Tharanga is 18 years old and had never been inside the park despite growing up nearby. By working with us, he's discovered not only that he loves working with nature, but that he can turn it into a full-time career. For several months Tharanga logged many hours as a volunteer trainee, learning to identify and photograph animals, the layout of the park, how to use a GPS, and navigate the computer programs back at the field station. Over the summer he and I helped conduct a survey of the conflict between farmers and wildlife by interviewing people and trekking through underbrush and muddy paddy fields. He taught me about local plants and even taught me some Sinhala, the local language. Several times he saved me from imminent disaster by guiding me away from some of Sri Lanka's more noxious flora and fauna. Tharanga provided unflagging energy to the project everyday and has proven himself to be a dedicated and enthusiastic assistant.

how you can get involved:

Work with your school club and local community to help us raise donations to support our dedicated new research assistant, Tharanga, at http://www.rockethub.com/projects/3707-help-elephants-people-in-sri-lanka.

Fun & Creative Fundraising ideas:
*Organize a bake sale at your school
*Partner with a local restaurant to hold a benefit dinner
*Ask local businesses to hold a coupon fundraiser
*Organize a benefit walk/run for wildlife in your community
*Spread the word in your community via newspapers, blogs, and posters
*Brainstorm creative ideas with your friends and share them with us!

Your donation will help us hire Tharanga and provide him with a long term salary. By employing people like Tharanga, who would otherwise be drawn away from his village in search of low-paying jobs in cities, we are enriching his village – which helps both elephants and people in the long run. Just $100 a month makes a great starting salary for someone like Tharanga. Help us hire him, and build local capacity for elephant conservation in Sri Lanka!

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