Analysis of spatial drivers in human-elephant conflict within human-dominated landscapes of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province

As a flagship species in tropical forest ecosystems, the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) plays an indispensable role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Yunnan Province, serving as the sole distribution range of Asian elephants in China, is currently confronting increasingly severe human-elephant conflicts (HEC). Extensive foraging and damage to crops, as well as human casualties, constitute the primary manifestations of elephant depredation. The primary objective of study is to precisely identify the characteristics of HEC, uncover the spatial drivers of elephant depredation, and provide a theoretical basis for mitigating HEC risks in the future. Based on Asian elephant-triggered incident data collected between 2019 and 2023, this study quantitatively defines human-elephant conflict intensity using conflict frequency; employing generalized additive models (GAMs) evaluated the impacts of environmental covariates and anthropogenic disturbances on human-elephant conflict dynamics, while identifying the principal drivers propelling Asian elephants to encroach into human-dominated landscapes. The study results indicate that during the dry season (November–April), the risk of Asian elephant depredation was higher in areas near secondary roads, crops, forest edges, and at lower elevations. In the rainy season (May–October), the risk increased in regions close to crops, settlements, secondary roads, and areas with higher crop coverage. Across both seasons’ patterns, food resources served as the primary driver of elephant depredation. This study furnishes critical empirical datasets and theoretical foundations essential for advancing the scientific management of Asian elephant populations, mitigating human-elephant conflicts through risk-reduction strategies, and ultimately operationalizing the paradigm of harmonious human-elephant coexistence.