Community-Led Elephant Habitat Restoration and Coexistence Efforts in Assam, India

The Assam region of India supports more than 5,700 Asian elephants—one of the world’s largest remaining populations—but faces escalating threats from habitat degradation, fragmentation, rising human–elephant conflict, and invasive plants such as Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata. Human–elephant coexistence is strengthened through a community driven approach that engages local youth, women, and volunteers in removing invasive species from degraded forest patches and elephant corridors, followed by enrichment planting with seedballs containing native fodder and tree species. Sustainable livelihoods are promoted by converting removed biomass into biochar using low emission pyrolysis kilns, paired with training on its production and use to improve soil fertility and generate income. Community sensitization includes awareness sessions, demonstrations, and peer led learning on elephant behavior, conflict mitigation strategies, and habitat monitoring, building local stewardship and reducing crop raiding and human casualties.

IEF #1057

Project Years:2026

Project Partners:
Rabiya Daimari, AARANYAK