Shrinking forests and climate pressures are driving elephants and primates into Rangamati villages, killing residents, damaging crops and businesses, and exposing urgent gaps in conservation and community-based conflict management efforts.
Wildlife is increasingly entering villages in the hill district of Rangamati as shrinking forest resources, environmental pressures and expanding settlements push animals closer to people in search of food. Experts caution that without sustained conservation efforts and better land use planning, conflicts could intensify, threatening both vulnerable communities and already stressed wildlife populations.
Communities in Kaptai report frequent incursions by wild elephants, monkeys and langurs across several neighbourhoods, damaging crops, homes and small businesses.
“We are exhausted by the constant attacks from elephants, monkeys and langurs. Sometimes we have to close our shops because it is impossible to continue business,” said Rafique Hossain, a local shopkeeper. Residents say they have suffered repeated losses.
Residents say elephant attacks over the past decade have killed around a dozen people and injured many others, while repeated crop raids have destroyed orchards, vegetable fields and household food supplies. Many villagers now guard their homes with sticks to keep animals away.
Range Officer Omar Faruk Swadhin of the Forest Department acknowledged the situation. “Wildlife entering localities is a reality. Due to the depletion of food sources inside forests by illegal activities in previous years, animals are coming out in search of food. We are raising awareness and have installed solar fencing to reduce risks.”
Officials say compensation is being provided to affected families according to government regulations and mitigation measures are ongoing.
Environmental observers warn that the situation reflects a broader pattern across the Chittagong Hill Tracts. “Habitat degradation and pressure on forest ecosystems are increasing encounters between people and wildlife. Long-term solutions must include habitat restoration and community-based conflict management,” noted Aymanur Rahman, Divisional Coordinator for Chattogram at YouthNet Global.
