Conservation Biology, Volume 00, No. 0, 1–10 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12898
Beehive Fences As A Multidimensional Conflict-mitigation Tool For Farmers Coexisting With Elephants (2017)
Increasing habitat fragmentation and human population growth in Africa has resulted in an escalation in human–elephant conflict between small-scale farmers and free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta Africana).
Journal
Conservation Biology
Author(s)
King, L.E., Douglas-Hamilton I., Lala, F., Nzumu, H., Mwambingu, E.
Summary
Abstract: Increasing habitat fragmentation and human population growth in Africa has resulted in an escalation in human–elephant conflict between small-scale farmers and free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta Africana). In 2012 Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) implemented the national 10-year Conservation and Management Strategy for the Elephant in Kenya, which includes an action aimed at testing whether beehive fences can be used to mitigate human–elephant conflict. From 2012 to 2015, we field-tested the efficacy of beehive fences to protect 10 0.4-ha farms next to Tsavo East National Park from elephants. We hung a series of beehives every 10 m around the boundary of each farm plot. The hives were linked with strong wire.