To address the critical issue of human-elephant conflict (HEC) along the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi road section of Nepal's East-West Highway, NTNC has signed an MoU with the Project Directorate (ADB), Department of Roads.
As part of the agreement, NTNC will conduct monitoring and study on the possible impact on wildlife elephant movement due to upgrading of this road section.
The Kakarbhitta-Laukahi road section is an area where expanding human settlements increasingly overlap with wild Asian elephant habitats, leading to crop damage, property destruction, and fatalities for both humans and elephants.
To undertake this, NTNC will deploy GPS radio telemetry collars on six wild Asian elephants to continuously monitor their movement patterns, habitat use, and migratory routes.
The data collected will be used to assess the effectiveness of existing Biodiversity Action Plan recommendations, such as crossing structures, fencing, and habitat enhancements, in reducing HEC and facilitating elephant movement.
By providing data-driven insights for effective mitigation strategies and landscape planning, this initiative looks to promote the long-term conservation of Asian elephants and foster coexistence in the region.
Project partners in this undertaking are, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of Roads, Asian Development Bank, Asian Elephant Transport Working Group, World Wildlife Fund-Nepal, and Wildlife Institute of India.
The project agreement is due up to the end of January 2027.
