12/08/2026
We mark International Elephant Day by reflecting on our engagement in Jalthal Forest in Jhapa, southeastern Nepal. This biodiversity rich forest is also an important habitat for the Asiatic elephant. Elephants and people share the same landscape, which has resulted in frequent human–elephant conflict. Over the past decade, this conflict has claimed the lives of around two dozen people and about a dozen elephants around Jalthal Forest. Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts are among the areas most affected by human–elephant conflict in Nepal.
Human–elephant conflict is complex and driven by multiple, interconnected socio-ecological factors. To reduce conflict and promote coexistence, we have worked with community forest user groups and the Division Forest Office to improve forest health and enhance quality of elephant habitat. Our efforts included promoting and supporting the natural regeneration of native tree species, planting native fodder species, and improving elephant habitats and waterholes. Alongside these forest management interventions, we have also conducted awareness-raising activities with young people, students, and forest user groups to promote greater understanding of elephants and coexistence between people and wildlife.
Our experience in Jalthal reminds us that addressing human–elephant conflict requires more than responding to incidents. Maintaining healthy forests, securing food and water for elephants, working closely with local communities, improving relief policies, among others are essential for building a landscape where both people and elephants can coexist.
Biodiversity Challenge Funds
