Mental modeling of human elephant conflict using fuzzy cognitive mapping and decision ecology for conflict resolution

Arnab Banerjee (), Aritri Chatterjee and Sankar Kumar Acharya
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Arnab Banerjee: Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya
Aritri Chatterjee: Vidyasagar University
Sankar Kumar Acharya: Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya

Environment Systems and Decisions, 2025, vol. 45, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Abstract Human–elephant conflict (HEC) has escalated in recent decades due to habitat fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment into elephant habitats. It threatens elephant conservation and severely impacts rural livelihoods, food security, and ecosystem stability. In India, villages in Bankura district, West Bengal, face frequent and severe HEC incidents. This study explores the socio-economic and ecological impacts of HEC in the region and endeavours to formulate sustainable mitigation strategies to foster harmonious coexistence. Nine villages in the Barjora block of Bankura district were purposively selected for this research. Key informants were identified, and additional respondents were recruited using snowball sampling. Data were gathered through individual interviews and analyzed using Mental Modeler, a web-based Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) tool. Stakeholders’ mental models were constructed to identify shared interests and conflicts regarding HEC. These individual models were combined into a shared mental map, enabling a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder perspectives. Scenario analysis was conducted under three hypothetical conditions to inform better decision-making. Key findings highlighted critical factors of HEC such as crop damage, elephant attacks, habitat fragmentation, human fatalities or injuries, increased elephant aggression, and reduced food availability within forest areas. Based on these insights, targeted mitigation strategies were proposed, focusing on habitat restoration, reducing grazing activities within the forest area, enhancing food availability for elephants within the forest area, strengthening wildlife corridors, and community-based conflict management approaches including empowerment of forest dwellers. This study underscores the value of participatory tools like FCM in addressing complex human-wildlife conflicts and facilitating sustainable solutions.

Keywords: Decision-making; Fuzzy cognitive mapping; Human elephant conflict; Mitigation strategies; Sustainable coexistence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10669-025-10032-3

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