Bloody human-tusker tussle casts long shadow over rural Odisha

The human-elephant conflict in Odisha, India, has reached alarming levels, with 57 people killed by elephants between April and June 2023. The conflict is largely man-made, stemming from habitat loss due to deforestation, mining, and human encroachment. The decrease in elephant habitats has forced elephants to venture into human settlements in search of food, resulting in deadly encounters. Experts stress the need for restoring elephant corridors and implementing measures such as solar fencing and lifestyle changes to mitigate the conflict.