Struggling borders: The unseen impact of development on elephants and the consequences for humans

A complex relationship between elephants and human development unfolds in the vast canvas of nature, where wilderness and civilization interlace.

This narrative stretches beyond mere geographical borders; it tells the story of how progress and settlements are affecting not only the majestic creatures but also the communities that share the landscape with them.

As urbanization and infrastructure projects reshape landscapes, an often overlooked impact on both elephants and humans comes to light.

Urban expansion and infrastructure development often pave over ancient pathways that elephants have traversed for generations. These natural corridors are essential for their migration, breeding, and foraging patterns. As these routes are severed, elephants are forced to adapt, leading to conflicts with humans as they search for new paths.

According to, the ‘Save the Elephants’ CEO Frank Pope, corridors are needed where the movement of elephants from habitat to habitat is threatened.

“Corridors are needed in places where the ability of elephants to move from habitat to habitat is threatened. As habitat changes and weather changes elephants need to move, and if people get in the way conflict may arise,” said MR. Pope.

“Developments like train tracks along elephant habitats and movement areas make it difficult for them to move which may harm humans too as the elephants result to moving through towns and settlements.”

He added that underpasses, corridors and overpasses can be built as solutions to aid elephants’ movement and minimize the interaction between humans and elephants.

According to him, elephants are ecological engineers, and their movement not only shapes landscapes but also supports ecosystem health. Hence disrupting these corridors disrupts entire ecosystems.

As human settlements encroach upon elephant habitats, encounters become inevitable. These encounters, however, can swiftly transform into conflicts. Elephants, driven by their need for food and water, often raid crops, leading to economic losses for local farmers. In response, communities may resort to violence, creating a cycle of danger and destruction.

The impact of development on elephants and humans has spurred the adoption of innovative conservation strategies. Protected corridors and wildlife-friendly infrastructure aim to harmonize the needs of both species. Such measures create space for elephants to move and access resources without conflicting with human activities.

Mr. Pope explains solutions to aid in curbing conflict between elephants and animals and help benefit both elephants and humans, especially farmers.

“One solution is keeping elephants off small-scale farmers by creating barriers, techniques such as erecting bee-hive fences. These bee-hive fences in turn benefit the farmers through honey which they can sell and profit from,” he said.

“Another solution is growing crops that elephants don’t find edible, such as sunflowers, which the farmers can also sell.”

Through strategic urban planning and community involvement, we can ensure that development and conservation can coexist.

As the boundaries between human progress and elephant habitats blur, a new perspective emerges. The impact of developments goes beyond numbers; it extends into the intricate web of relationships and ecosystems that both species rely on.

The narrative of elephants and humans is intertwined, each dependent on the other's well-being for a harmonious future.

This serves as a reminder that the development of our world must not come at the cost of its silent inhabitants. As we strive for progress, the tale of elephants teaches us to consider the price they pay, for their suffering resonates within the fabric of the landscapes we share.