Date: January 2023 – March 2024
Locations: Kurseong Forest Division, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary & Baikanthapur Forest Division

The Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA) has successfully completed a comprehensive Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) area mapping project across key regions of Northern West Bengal. Conducted between January 2023 and March 2024, the mapping covered conflict-prone zones under the Kurseong Forest Division, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, and Baikanthapur Forest Division, with full cooperation from the respective forest departments.

Why HEC Mapping Matters

HEC area mapping involves identifying locations where interactions between humans and elephants are frequent and potentially dangerous. By analyzing factors such as elephant movement routes, proximity to human settlements, agricultural patterns, and previous conflict incidents, the mapping process helps:

  • Identify conflict hotspots
  • Prioritize intervention zones
  • Plan strategic mitigation measures
  • Facilitate better resource allocation

Tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and community-based data collection were instrumental in this initiative.

This data-driven approach allows for the targeted implementation of soft mitigation tools, early warning systems, and awareness programs, ensuring a balanced coexistence between wildlife and local communities. The completion of this mapping marks a crucial step in building informed and responsive HEC mitigation strategies in the region.

NWA remains committed to working closely with local communities and forest departments to strengthen conservation efforts and reduce conflict across elephant-bearing landscapes.The Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA) has successfully completed a comprehensive Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) area mapping project across key regions of Northern West Bengal. Conducted between January 2023 and March 2024, the mapping covered conflict-prone zones under the Kurseong Forest Division, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, and Baikanthapur Forest Division, with full cooperation from the respective forest departments.