KVIC Rolls-Out Unique ‘RE-HAB’ Project to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict in Assam

Why in news?

• In an attempt to eliminate the escalating human-elephant conflict along the north-eastern state of Assam, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has rolled-out Project RE-HAB (Reducing Elephant-Human Attacks using Bees) at Village Mornoi in Goalpara district of Assam.

About Project RE-HAB

• Referred as a replication of the project initiated in Karnataka, RE-HAB has been launched by the KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena.
• Supported by the local forest department, this project has been implemented in Assam to mitigate human-elephant conflict.
• Under this project, “Bee-fences” will be created by setting up bee-boxes in the passage of elephants to block their entry to human territories.
• The boxes are connected with a string so that when elephants attempt to pass through, a tug or pull causes the bees to swarm the elephant herds and dissuade them from progressing further.
• It is a cost-effective idea to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
• Scientifically recorded that elephant are annoyed by the honey bees, due to their bee swarms.
• Elephants believe bees can bite their sensitive inner side of the trunk and eyes, thereby forcing them to return back.
• Besides, high resolution, night vision cameras have been installed at strategic points to record the impact of bees on elephants and their behaviour in these zones.