Conservation Science and Practice: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/csp2.13242
Impact of drought and development on the effectiveness of beehive fences as elephant deterrents over 9 years in Kenya
A groundbreaking, nine-year study has revealed that elephants approaching small-scale farms in Kenya avoid beehive fences housing live honey bees up to 86% of the time during peak crop seasons.
Journal
Conservation Science and Practice
Author(s)
King, L., Serem, E., Brennan, E.J., Leneuiyia, K.L., Douglas-Hamilton I., Wanjala, D., Williams, H.F., Lala, F., Pope F., Ndombi, V., Mugo, G., Raja, N.R., Tiller L., Nzumu, H., Mwambingu, E.
Summary
Our nine-year study examines the effectiveness of beehive fences in mitigating human-elephant conflicts near Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. Findings reveal that 76% of elephants were deterred from farm areas by these fences, though drought conditions temporarily reduced beehive occupation and honey production, impacting fence efficacy.