Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants has potential to decrease human-elephant conflicts

In farmlands adjacent to protected areas, inhabited by African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), crop losses to these pachyderms are a common problem. For a peaceful coexistence of people and... [ view full abstract ]

In farmlands adjacent to protected areas, inhabited by African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), crop losses to these pachyderms are a common problem. For a peaceful coexistence of people and wildlife, new ways need to be found to repel elephants from fields. The replacement of crops, which are attractive to elephants by such, which are not attractive, might be a solution for farmers in and close to elephant habitats.
We have conducted two field experiments, one in Zambia (2010-2011) and one in Nepal (2013-2014) to test the attractiveness of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) compared to a control plot (maize or rice). In Zambia, we tested ginger, lemon grass, garlic and onion, in Nepal chamomile, coriander, mint, basil, turmeric, lemon grass and citronella. In both experiments elephants visited the test crop and the control plot. In Zambia maize was completely destroyed six weeks prior to its harvest time. In contrast, the test crops were only slightly damaged, mostly through trampling. In a very late state of the experiment lemon grass and ginger were consumed by the elephants in small quantities. In Nepal elephants did not consume any test crops, whereas they fed on the control crop. It can be concluded that MAPs are less attractive to elephants than maize or rice, respectively. However, even though the MAPs are less attractive to African and Asian elephants, they may not be completely unpalatable or even deterrent to them.
Further, the potential yields and revenues for each MAP and the control crops were calculated, based on local market situation. In both experiments revenues from the tested MAPs would have exceeded the market price of staple crops in most cases. 
The selection of crops, which are less attractive to elephants, is a promising tool for land-use planning in areas facing damages by elephants. However, more detailed studies are needed, to observe long-term effects and to identify a larger diversity of unattractive crops.