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Abstract
We quantified elephant–train casualties along the 163 km (101 mi) Siliguri-Alipurduar railway line in northern West Bengal, India and assessed stakeholder perceptions about this conflict. We found that casualties have increased post-conversion of this railway line from meter to broad gauge, and are highest during monsoons and winters. Higher casualty risk was associated with closer distances to nearest curve and higher forest cover. Elephants frequently visit near this railway line, and 83% of households living in close proximity to this line sighted elephants during 2012. Most train operators (87%) said that elephant–train collisions had increased, and cited speed, low visibility, and lack of warning systems as main reasons. Among household respondents, reasons for accidents included an increase in both train numbers and speed. Our suggestions for mitigating the conflict include installation of sensor-systems that can warn train drivers about approaching animals, and shifting trains to the alternate existing railway line.