On October 29, a study published in the journal “Conservation Science and Practice” revealed that beekeeping along the fences of small farms in Kenya has helped deter more than 86% of elephant crop damage during peak harvest season.
Scientists found that as conflict between elephants and local communities increased in Kenya due to habitat loss, poaching, and harsh climate, honeybees proved to be an effective nature-based solution to this issue.
The nine-year study, conducted by scientists from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and international partners, showed that the sound of bees and their distinct scent created a natural barrier, causing the massive elephants to be frightened and avoid the fields.
Beehive fence protecting a farm in Sagalla. (Photo: Save the Elephants).
The beehives are interconnected with poles, forming a barrier that combines visual, auditory, and olfactory elements to prevent elephants from entering the farms.
Meanwhile, the local community benefits from pollination of their crops, and additionally, generates income from honey and beeswax production. Thus, the beehive fence serves as a cost-effective method for subsistence farms to prevent elephant intrusion.
Throughout the study, scientists monitored 26 farms protected by beehive fences in two villages near the Tsavo East National Park in southeastern Kenya and analyzed 4,000 instances of elephants approaching the farms.
According to researchers, elephants roam freely in and out of the park year-round as they seek mates, food, and water, often attracted by the scents of nutrient-rich agricultural plants. During six peak growing seasons from 2014 to 2020, 3,027 elephants attempted to invade the farms, and approximately 86% of them were deterred by the beehive fences.
Throughout the study, even during drought seasons, the beehive fences prevented an average of 76% of elephants from invading annually, protecting the farms and reducing conflicts between this iconic species and local communities.
Patrick Omondi, Director of the Kenya Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), stated that in the context of increasing human-elephant conflict challenges in Kenya, solutions like the beehive fence allow local communities to proactively protect their farms. He emphasized the need for the scientific community to explore nature-based solutions to support peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.
