When Nights Turn into Fear – The Human and Elephant Struggle

Far from the noise of cities, in quiet villages surrounded by fields and forests, a different kind of crisis unfolds. For poor farmers living on the edge of elephant habitats, the night can be a terrifying experience. Imagine lying awake in the dark, hearing the deep rumble of wild elephants moving closer. Imagine watching in despair as an entire year’s harvest is destroyed in a single night by a hungry herd.

This is more than lost crops—it’s sleepless nights, broken family bonds, and a constant shadow of fear. I have seen families in high-conflict areas fight daily to survive. They do not hate elephants, but they are exhausted, vulnerable, and desperate for support.

And the elephants? They too are victims—forced into farmlands by shrinking forests, blocked corridors, and dwindling food. The conflict changes behaviour on both sides: elephants become bolder, people more hostile.

It is already late. Without collective responsibility, we risk losing not only elephants but the greenery they protect, the livelihoods they threaten, and the delicate balance of nature itself. Human-elephant coexistence is not a dream—it is a necessity. Supporting both communities and elephants is the only path forward.