COLOMBO, March 28 -- The Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) is a modern phenomenon owning its existence to man's increasing developmental needs and the expansion of the human population due to improved health and living conditions. Pushed by need, man has been forcibly intruding into places where elephants once roamed and foraged freely.

Earlier, elephants were not killed but captured and traded for use as draught animals, as mounts for commanders during wars, and as attractions in temple and royal festivals. Indian records show that domestication of elephants dates back to 4,500 BCE. Hannibal, the great Carthaginian General, had crossed the Alps with elephants in 218 BCE.

However, ivory hunting in Africa and expansion of populations in Asia...