Vol.: (0123456789) Environ Monit Assess (2025) 197:1124 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-025-14492-7 RESEARCH Geospatial analysis of elephant mortalities by electrocution from northern districts landscape of West Bengal, India Saumyajit Ghosh  · Mrinmay Mandal  · Vikas Vijayaprakash · Devesh Pandey · Shasanka Kumar Gayen Received: 8 May 2025 / Accepted: 11 August 2025 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025 Abstract Human-induced mortality poses a signifi- cant threat to many species worldwide, with Asian ele- phants in India being notably impacted. In recent years, electrocution-related elephant deaths have increased, particularly in the Northern District Landscape of West Bengal. A major contributor is the proliferation of ille- gal and hazardous electric fencing near protected forest areas. In many cases, farmers install electrified fences— often unauthorized—to prevent crop damage from elephant incursions. Unfortunately, these measures fre- quently result in fatal outcomes, escalating tensions and provoking retaliatory actions. This study assesses the spatio-temporal extent of elephant electrocution inci- dents across a forested region of approximately 12,000 km 2 . A total of 63 elephant deaths were documented using official records from the Forest and Wildlife Directorate. Each location was assessed for temporal factors such as year, month, and time of occurrence. Advanced geospatial techniques—including remote sensing and GIS—were utilized, with kernel density estimation applied to generate a detailed risk map. The analysis reveals critical high-risk zones in Bagdogra, Apalchand, Moraghat, and Dalgaon, while Ramsai, Rajabhatkhawa, Kartika, and Kumargram exhibit lower risk levels. The study identifies key drivers of these fatalities and highlights the pressing need for interven- tion. The study highlights key contributing factors to electrocution deaths and emphasizes the urgency of tar- geted interventions. This research aims to support con- servation efforts for the endangered Asian elephant and offers valuable insights into mitigating human-elephant conflict. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts involving forest officials, Gram Panchayat bod- ies, NGOs, and Joint Forest Management Committees to implement effective preventive measures in identified high-risk areas. Keywords Asian elephant · Kernel density · Lethal fence · Elephant mortalities · Harmonious relationship S. Ghosh (*)  Department of Geography, Cooch Behar College, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India e-mail: saumyajitghosh1993@gmail.com M. Mandal  Department of Geography, Vidyasagar University, Medinipur, West Bengal, India e-mail: mrinmaymandal88@gmail.com V. Vijayaprakash  Divisional Forest Officer, Jalpaiguri Forest Division, Indian Forest Service, West Bengal Forest Department, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India e-mail: vikasv777@gmail.com D. Pandey  Divisional Forest Officer, Kurseong Forest Division, Indian Forest Service, West Bengal Forest Department, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India e-mail: deveshpandey2291@gmail.com S. K. Gayen  Department of Geography, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India e-mail: gshasanka@gmail.com