Trends and Patterns of Elephant Crop Raiding in Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India.

Range extension of elephants has been observed in northern Western Ghats over the past few decades. The Sindhudurg District is one such area experiencing recent colonization by elephants. We obtained data on crop raiding incidences between 2002 and 2015 from Range Forest Offices in Sindhudurg District. Information was available on 9148 crop raiding cases. Data analysis showed that 36 different crops were damaged and coconut (44%), rice (22%), banana (20%) and areca palm (8%) were the worst affected. Crop raiding frequency was higher during the winter season followed by monsoon and lowest in summer. November and December experienced a peak in crop raiding. Rice was recognized as an attractant for elephants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]