Geospatial Analysis of Elephant Mortalities by Electrocution from Northern Districts Landscape of West Bengal, India

Threatened species are known to be significantly impacted by human-induced mortality of animals. Elephants dying by electrocution have become more common in various states, including West Bengal's Northern District Landscape in India. Wildlife is at serious risk because of an illegal and dangerous electric fence that is located close to protected forest areas. Occasionally, people fence their fields to prevent elephant incursions, while at other times, farmers electrify their fences without authorization to protect their crops. This can have fatal consequences. This intensifies friction and frequently prompts farmers to take retaliatory action. The study aims to assess the extent of electrocution-related elephant mortality in the study region, identify different risk zones, and evaluate the underlying factors contributing to these deaths in forested areas spanning about 12000 km². The primary observation is taken with the help of surveying the places where the incidents occurred. The different information, such as year, month & time, etc., is gathered during field visits. The study has been evaluated using several significant criteria, including remote sensing and GIS data. The density tool is used to display the kernel density risk map with the help of incidence locations to analyze the risk of elephant mortality. This research suggests supporting conservation efforts for this keystone species and provides insights into conflict mitigation strategies by analysing mortality trends. The study emphasizes the need for effective measures by officials, Gram Panchayat representatives, and NGOs, including the Joint Forest Management Committee, to address high-risk zones for additional incidents.