BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Indian villagers are using smelly camels to protect their farmlands and homes from marauding elephants, saying the beasts' stench was enough to keep the pachyderms at bay.

    Officials said on Thursday that villagers in Jharkhand state had earlier this month hired two camels for 46 U.S. dollars a month each and were using them for patrolling.

    "The elephants do not roam where camels are found," said Jugesh Oraon, a local village leader.

    Wildlife officials, however, were skeptical.

    "We cannot comment how far it will be effective," S. Nandkuliyahe, a senior forest official said.

    More than 400 people have been trampled to death in the last seven years in Jharkhand by elephants, which have also destroyed crops and homes, officials said. Villagers in the past have used chilies and fire crackers to keep elephants away.

    (Agencies)