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Elephants outwit chilli pepper trick

Friday, March 14, 2025 | 480 Views |

In the news: Incidents of encounters between humans and elephants are on the rise again

The country’s elephants have found a way around a low-cost method adopted by farmers in 2015 of using chilli pepper smoke to drive them away. Authorities now say a mixture of methods, some expensive, is the only way to reduce human elephant conflicts, writes MBONGENI MGUNI

At the time, the chilli pepper method was hailed as an affordable method to reduce human elephant conflict.

Starting around 2015, farmers in the North West began mixing chilli pepper with elephant dung to make briquettes which they then burnt. Lit at night when elephant destruction is more prevalent, the briquettes produce a noxious smell that the animals can pick from distances and detest.

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Elephants outwit chilli pepper trick

The country’s elephants have found a way around a low-cost method adopted by farmers in 2015 of using chilli pepper smoke to drive them away. Authorities now say a mixture of methods, some expensive, is the only way to reduce human elephant conflicts, writes MBONGENI MGUNI

Search continues for Maun boy feared to have been taken by a crocodile

Inimba Gets the Nod for Season 2 on Mzansi Magic

Peace conference addresses growing list of social ills

GAYO Botswana and BA ISAGO University Forge Major Partnership to Advance Climate Education and Youth Leadership

Pastor accused of defiling Teen during counselling session

FIFA World Cup draw – The countdown begins!

DIS Director's daughter rape case stalls

Main Mall’s resilience, sturdiness in the face of stiff competition

Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health