Elephants are the longest living and largest land mammal on the earth today. Because of their large body size and long life span, fully grown adult elephants do not have natural competitors except for man. Man and elephant co-existence dates back to over 4000 years ago when elephants were integrated into cultural, religious and social lives of humans. Elephants require large areas for food and shelter. However, with increasing human influences in forest areas, the elephants are left with little choice but to come near human habitations and feed on luscious crops on the forest boundary causing serious social and economic damage to the farmers in the region. In such areas, local farmers perceive elephants as their enemy and want to get rid of them. 

Since 2010, Wildlife Research and Conservation Society (WRCS) is implementing community-based conflict management approach in North Kanara District in Karnataka wherein local farmers are trained in using simple and low cost crop protection methods. Till date, over 400 farmers are using the methods to protect their crops from elephants. Alongside, they are also training the local women in making elephant-themed  handicraft items. WRCS is helping in marketing the products and the proceeds of the sale are directed to the women’s groups.  Through this initiative, local communities are able to generate income through elephants and have begun to view elephants as a friend and not as an enemy. This positive image makeover of elephants is proving to be most useful in securing their future in human-dominated areas. 

The money you donate will be received directly by WRCS and will be used by them to help the projects they have begun in North Kanara. Your blessings will help human and elephant communities coexist.