Mitigasi Interaksi Negatif antara Manusia dengan Gajah (Elephas Maximus Sumatranus) di Dusun Sapo Padang Desa Batu Jongjong Kecamatan Bahorok

Abstract

This study highlights efforts aimed at reducing conflicts between humans and Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) in Sapo Padang Hamlet, Batu Jongjong Village, Bahorok Subdistrict. Conflicts arise as elephants frequently invade farmlands and residential areas, causing economic and social losses. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation methods implemented and analyze the level of local community engagement in managing the conflict. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, data was gathered via interviews, observations, focused group discussions (FGD), and document studies. Results reveal that elephant herding is perceived as the most effective method, followed by electric fencing, boundary marking, bamboo noise makers, wildlife corridors, night patrols, natural barriers, and firecracker usage. Community participation is relatively high, particularly in patrol and herding activities. Educational attainment has a significant positive effect on mitigation knowledge, while age negatively correlates with community involvement. The study recommends enhancing education tailored to community literacy levels, technical assistance, and multi-sector collaboration to ensure effective and sustainable conflict mitigation.