This study evaluates the technical performance of acoustic and infrasound based wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for elephant movement control in Kenya’s human-elephant conflict zones. Using agent-based simulation in NetLogo, it models elephant movement and sensor interactions under varying terrain types, noise levels, and node densities. Key performance metrics included detection accuracy, energy consumption, signal propagation, and system responsiveness. Results showed that acoustic sensors outperformed infrasound systems in detection accuracy, energy efficiency, and responsiveness, particularly in flat and moderately obstructed terrains. Acoustic nodes were also more resilient to environmental noise and gained more from increased node density. In contrast, infrasound sensors, though less accurate and more energy-intensive, offered broader coverage and remained useful for perimeter monitoring in low-conflict areas. Unexpected findings included sharper performance drops in infrasound systems under noise and hilly terrain, and better-than-expected acoustic performance in dense forest. Some forested terrains even outperformed flat zones due to clustered sensor placement. Occasional detection gaps and false positives were also observed in low-density acoustic setups. The study recommends a hybrid deployment model that combines the strengths of both systems. This approach supports context-aware, energy-conscious monitoring and offers practical insights for conservation planning and wildlife corridor protection in high-conflict zones.