Beehive fences as effective deterrents for crop-raiding elephants: field trials in northern Kenya
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Published source details
King L.E., Douglas-Hamilton I. & Vollrath F. (2011) Beehive fences as effective deterrents for crop-raiding elephants: field trials in northern Kenya. African Journal of Ecology, 49, 431-439.
Published source details King L.E., Douglas-Hamilton I. & Vollrath F. (2011) Beehive fences as effective deterrents for crop-raiding elephants: field trials in northern Kenya. African Journal of Ecology, 49, 431-439.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use bees to deter crop damage by mammals (e.g. elephants) to reduce human-wildlife conflict Action Link |
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Use bees to deter crop damage by mammals (e.g. elephants) to reduce human-wildlife conflict
A replicated, controlled study in 2008–2010 on agricultural land around two villages in Kenya (King et al. 2011) found that beehive fences reduced entry onto farmland by elephants Loxodonta africana. Elephants entered farmland through a beehive fence less often (1 occasion) than they did through traditional thorn bush barriers (31 occasions). Following entry to farmland, elephants also left less frequently through beehive fences (six occasions) than they did through thorn bush barriers (26 occasions). Thirty-four farms were studied, of which 17 were protected along parts of their perimeters by beehive fences and 17 were protected solely by traditional thorn bush barriers. Beehive fences comprised a total of 149 beehives deployed in June–August 2008 and 21 deployed in April 2009. Hives were positioned 10 m apart. Farms were monitored over three crop seasons, from June 2008 until June 2010.
(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
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