What percentage of the time do bees protect farms from elephants?

Question

Accepted Answer

Bees effectively deter elephants from farms, study shows

A nine-year study has found that the use of beehives as a deterrent has been highly effective in protecting farms from elephants, with the animals avoiding these protected areas a significant majority of the time. This innovative approach, implemented by conservation organisations, offers a promising solution to the escalating human-wildlife conflict in regions like Kenya.
Elephants avoid bee-protected farms 86 percent of the time

Research conducted over a nine-year period and published last month indicated that elephants actively avoided farms fortified with beehives. During the crucial peak crop season, this avoidance occurred 86 percent of the time. This finding is a significant statistic demonstrating the efficacy of using African honeybees as a natural deterrent against these large mammals.
Beehive fences provide a physical and sensory barrier

The strategy involves stringing interconnected beehives on greased wires a few metres off the ground. This setup serves a dual purpose: it deters elephants by shaking and emitting the sound and smell of bees when disturbed, prompting the animals to retreat. This method effectively interrupts the interaction between elephants and farmland, as observed by project coordinators.
Conservation efforts integrate local communities and wildlife management

The project, spearheaded by organisations like Save the Elephants, not only aims to protect crops but also to improve the livelihoods of local farmers. By training farmers in beekeeping, the initiative provides them with an additional source of income through honey harvesting, while simultaneously safeguarding their agricultural efforts from elephant destruction. This approach fosters a more harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Challenges and alternative solutions are being addressed

Despite the success, challenges such as drought exacerbating bee abscondment and the initial installation cost of approximately 150,000 Kenyan shillings ($1,100) per farm remain. For farmers unable to afford beehive fences, alternative methods like metal-sheet fences that clatter and the use of diesel or chili-soaked rags are also offered, though their effectiveness can vary.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What percentage of the time do bees protect farms from elephants?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends