7. Behavioural Study

This chapter addresses behavioural aspects of both elephants and humans in the context of increased conflict. A behavioural study is an important means of understanding the habitat–animal relationship. It gives ideas about the distribution, abundance and needs of the animal. Behavioural analysis reveals how animals actively use their environment. A behavioural study entails three general categories—structure, consequence and spatial relation. These three aspects have been covered. A perception survey technique was applied, supported by a pre-structured questionnaire to learn people’s attitude towards elephants. Random samples were collected from affected villages. The result revealed some crucial facts. With these facts, theme maps were prepared for visualisation. Parallel emphasis was also given to the changing behaviour of elephants. Elephant behaviour should be considered before implementing any policy or strategy. Analysis of elephant behaviour is crucial in a human-modified landscape. Elephants face continuous pressure because forest personnel and local peoples are chasing them away. As a result, their behaviour has changed drastically. Specifically, the solitary bull, isolated from the herd, is more aggressive towards humans. Moreover, in our behavioural analysis we incorporated the behaviour of local peoples as well as that of forest department personnel, because their behaviour has created a problematic situation for the successful management of human–elephant conflict.