Thu Feb 27 17:06:54 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal Officials Study Tamil Nadu’s Anti-Human-Elephant Conflict Strategies
**COIMBATORE, February 27, 2025** – A delegation from the West Bengal Forest Department visited the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in Tamil Nadu this week to observe successful strategies for mitigating human-elephant conflict. The team, comprised of senior forest officials, spent several days studying initiatives implemented in the Valparai plateau and Coimbatore district.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department showcased a range of approaches, including smart virtual fencing, community engagement programs, early warning systems (developed in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation), SMS alerts, and container ration shops (a joint effort with WWF-India). The West Bengal officials also learned about an AI-powered camera surveillance system used along railway tracks in the Madukkarai forest range.
ATR officials highlighted the success of these integrated methods in reducing human-elephant conflict and minimizing damage to property and lives. The Pollachi Division of ATR, recognized for its innovative conservation efforts, was presented as a prime example of effective conflict mitigation. The visit concluded with field trips to areas where these strategies are actively employed. The West Bengal team expressed interest in adapting these proven methods to their own region.
First Piper 