Climate crisis reshapes forests, fuels human-elephant conflict

The hills no longer receive rainfall as they once did. Natural streams and mountain springs have dried up. Uncontrolled deforestation and hill cutting have wiped out Indian gooseberry (amla), haritaki, bahera, and wild banana trees from the forests. As a result, wild elephant herds in the Garo Hills are facing severe shortages of food and water.

Driven by the need to survive, elephants have increasingly ventured into human settlements over the past two decades. This has intensified deadly human-elephant conflicts in border areas, exposing both local communities and wildlife to the devastating consequences of climate change and unsustainable human activities.

Interviews with wildlife experts, forest officials, and local residents reveal an alarming picture of environmental degradation in the hilly regions of Jamalpur and Sherpur districts under Mymensingh Division. According to the Forest Department, between 2014 and 2026, elephant attacks claimed the lives of 49 people in the region. During the same period, 35 wild elephants died after being caught in traps, poisoned, or electrocuted by electric fences laid by humans.

An Elephant Needs Up to 300 Liters of Water a Day, But Forest Streams Have Turned Into Dry Beds

An adult elephant requires 140 to 270 kilograms of food and between 200 and 300 liters of water daily, depending on weather conditions. Their primary diet includes grass, leaves, tree bark, roots, banana plants, and young bamboo shoots.

Local residents say elephants have been regularly entering villages for the past 10 to 15 years, a phenomenon that was rare two decades ago. The environment in the Balijuri Range of Jamalpur and Sherpur has deteriorated significantly. Food sources within the forest have nearly disappeared, while natural streams and springs have dried up due to climate change. In search of water, elephants are forced to descend into lowland settlements, where they destroy crops and homes. In return, many are killed by traps set by frightened villagers.

Among the four affected districts, Sherpur has experienced the highest casualties. Thirty people and 30 elephants have died there in conflict incidents. In Mymensingh, elephant attacks have killed 10 people. Netrakona recorded five human deaths and the deaths of two elephants, while Jamalpur reported four human fatalities and three elephant deaths.

Why Are So Many Elephants Dying?

The highest number of elephant deaths occurred in 2015, when seven elephants were killed. Experts identify human-made obstacles and retaliatory actions as the primary causes.

Electric Fences

To protect crops and homes, many residents along the border install high-voltage electric fences using galvanized iron (GI) wires around their farmland. Elephants entering villages at night often come into contact with these live wires and are electrocuted.

Mud Traps and Poison

With forest streams drying up, elephants seeking water in village ponds and wetlands often become trapped in deep mud or are exposed to toxic chemicals and poisoned bait.

Loss of Elephant Corridors

Traditional elephant migration corridors have been occupied by settlements and farmland. As a result, elephant herds become disoriented and are forced into close encounters with humans, frequently leading to fatal outcomes for both sides.

Voices from the Community

Joydango, a resident of the hills, said elephants have been entering the area for about 15 years. "Earlier, they stayed inside the forest because there were enough wild banana trees, amla, haritaki, and bahera. Now those food sources have disappeared. Whenever we plant crops, the elephants come, and when the harvest is ready, they return and destroy everything."

Ramzan Ali, a farmer from the border village of Balijuri, believes the elephants are not to blame.

"The elephants have no choice. There is neither food nor water left in the forest. Where else can they go? But people try to stop them with electric fences and burning torches. Then elephants die, and when frightened elephants become aggressive, people lose their lives. We want an end to this deadly conflict."

Farmer Md. Abdur Rashid described the devastating economic impact.

"This year I borrowed money to cultivate two bighas of paddy. Just before harvest, a herd of 30 to 40 elephants entered the field at midnight and flattened everything. They don't just eat the crops—they trample them underfoot. Our family's food supply and financial future were destroyed in a single night. We want the government to protect our crops and ensure there is enough food for elephants inside the forest."

What Do Experts Say?

Professor Dr. Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, a zoologist and former university vice-chancellor, said climate change and human interference are disrupting the forest ecosystem.

"Rainfall is no longer occurring at the right time because of climate change. Without timely rainfall, forests cannot regenerate, mountain streams dry up, and elephants lose access to water. Many of the trees elephants depend on also rely on regular rainfall. Increasing droughts are reducing food availability in the hills, forcing elephants to gradually move down toward human settlements in search of food and water."

Forest Department's Initiatives

According to the latest Forest Department data, around 120 wild elephants currently inhabit the 8,330-acre Balijuri Range. However, the existing forest environment is no longer capable of supporting such a large population.

Balijuri Range Officer Md. Suman Mia said efforts are underway to restore the forest ecosystem and reduce human-elephant conflict. Approximately 115 hectares of forest are being replanted with vegetation preferred by elephants. If successful, the initiative will allow elephants to find sufficient food within the forest.

Addressing water scarcity, he said the Elephant Conservation Project plans to build around 40 artificial reservoirs or lakes across forests in Bangladesh. Once completed, these water sources are expected to ease the shortage faced by elephants.

The Way Forward

Experts and local residents agree that simply planting ordinary trees will not solve the crisis. Forest restoration should prioritize elephant food species such as wild banana, bamboo, Indian gooseberry (amla), and jackfruit. Large artificial lakes should also be constructed deep inside forests to ensure year-round water availability.

They also emphasize replacing dangerous exposed electric fences with government-supported solar-powered fencing. Such barriers deliver only a mild shock, encouraging elephants to return to the forest without causing fatal injuries. This approach could significantly reduce elephant incursions into villages while protecting both human lives and one of Bangladesh's most endangered wildlife species.