Farmers turn to bees as natural barriers against stray elephants

For many years, the incursions by stray elephants from Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks have caused unrest among communities surrounding the areas. In response, the communities have been using rudimentary methods such as banging containers, blowing whistles, and using vuvuzelas, as well as flashing torches, among others, though with little impact. Similarly, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has introduced the construction of electric fences around park areas, but this initiative has not covered all the affected areas. However, a new promising and economically viable method has been introduced—bees! This initiative followed research by partners showing that elephants fear bees. The farmers use beehives to create natural barriers known as beehive fences. This initiative has been adopted by several individual farmers and groups within the areas.