Installing separate water points for elephants could mitigate conflicts with humans, a study shows. Upgraded water infrastructure in Namibia’s Northern Highlands shows promise in reducing clashes between humans and wildlife.
A new study has highlighted the potential of separate water points for elephants, located away from villages, to significantly reduce human-elephant interactions in Namibia’s Northern Highlands. Water point upgrades, such as protection walls, concrete dams, and solar pumps, are helping to reduce human-elephant conflict in the highlands west of Etosha National Park, the paper stated.
The study, led by Michael J Wenborn of Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom and published in the Journal of Environment & Development on January 7, 2025, underscored the importance of ensuring reliable water access for both humans and elephants. The researchers observed that upgrading water points have ensured a water supply, reducing the likelihood of elephants damaging infrastructure in search of water.
