HUMAN ANIMAL CONFLICT

Human-animal conflict is a situation in which the needs of humans and animals are in direct competition. This conflict can arise when animals damage crops, livestock, or property, or when they threaten human safety. It can also occur when humans encroach on animal habitats or disrupt their natural behaviors. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s post-2020 global biodiversity framework recognizes human-wildlife conflict as a worldwide problem.

In few cases, the conflict can be resolved through the use of non-lethal methods such as fencing, repellents, or habitat modification. In all the cases, it is important to consider the welfare of both humans and animals when attempting to resolve the conflict.

Wildlife can pose a direct threat to the safety, livelihoods and wellbeing of people. For example, when Elephants (Elephas maximus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) etc. forage on crops, or Big cats attacking livestock, people can lose their livelihoods. Retaliation against the species blamed often ensues.

With the electrification of the villages nearby the forest area, it has turned boon for the villagers but a curse for the wild animals. As the animal movement has increased towards the cropped fields so has the retaliation against them has also elevated.

Cases of electrocution has raised recently in Chhattisgarh and many different states of the country. Few fresh reports of death of Elephants (Elephas maximus) in Chhattisgarh by electrocution. Jashpur, Dhramjaygarh, Deopur, Mahasamund, Kodar, Kishanpur. Leopard (Panthera pardus) have killed four persons in Manendragarh. Even the movement of Leopard have been recently reported from Bamleswari Temple site at Dongargarh. These intrusions of wild animals towards human habitation is a burning question to be answered. Have the humans intruded and occupied into the wild spaces? or there is overexploitation of the forests and its produce, which has lower down the food or prey base in the wilds.

References:

IUCN (2023): https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/human-wildlife-conflict last accessed on 9th Feb. 2023.

KALINGA PLUS ARTICLE

FAIZ BUX

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

KALINGA UNIVERSITY