Mains Practice Questions

Approach:

• Introduce by highlighting the gravity of human-wildlife conflict
• Give factors responsible for rising human-Animal conflict
• Suggest measures for human-animal coexistence
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction:

The harmonious balance between human settlements and wildlife is under strain. In India, Government data for 2022-23 recorded more than 8,800 wild animal attacks.

• This escalating tension jeopardizes not only public safety but also the very existence of countless animal species.

Body

Rising Human-Animal Conflict:

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: As human settlements expand, natural habitats are being destroyed or fragmented, forcing wildlife to venture into human-dominated areas in search of food, water, and shelter. This increases the likelihood of human-wildlife encounters and conflicts.
  • The construction of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway Project has led to concerns about the loss of habitats and disturbance of wildlife corridors, potentially increasing human-animal conflicts in the region.
• Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Climate change and environmental degradation are altering habitats and disrupting the natural behavior and migration patterns of wildlife, leading them to venture into human-inhabited areas in search of resources.
  • Elephants, wildebeests and zebras are leaving Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe to escape the drought conditions in the southern African nation.
• Agricultural Expansion and Crop Raiding: As agricultural activities expand into wildlife habitats, crop-raiding by animals becomes more frequent, leading to retaliation from farmers and conflicts with wildlife.
  • In India's northeast states like Assam, the expansion of tea plantations and agricultural activities has led to increased instances of elephant raids on crops.
• Human Attitudes and Lack of Awareness: In some cases, negative attitudes towards wildlife, lack of awareness about their ecological importance, and misconceptions about their behavior can contribute to conflicts and retaliatory actions against animals.

Measures for Human-Animal Coexistence:

• Landscape-Level Planning:
  • Habitat Corridors: Establishing crucial habitat corridors that connect fragmented habitats, allowing for wildlife movement without conflict with human settlements.
  • Urban Planning: Integrating green spaces and wildlife corridors into urban planning to create wildlife-friendly cities.
• Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict:
  • Non-lethal Deterrents: Utilize fencing, guard animals (livestock guardian dogs), and scare tactics (lights, sounds) to deter wildlife from entering human settlements.
  • Compensation Schemes: Develop schemes to compensate for livestock predation or crop damage caused by wildlife, reducing resentment towards wildlife.
• Community Engagement and Education:
  • Awareness Programs: Educating local communities through Forest Officials about the importance of wildlife conservation and coexistence strategies. This can foster a sense of responsibility and reduce fear.
  • Ecotourism and Livelihood Opportunities: Promoting ecotourism ventures that generate revenue for local communities, creating a vested interest in wildlife conservation.
• Leveraging Technological Advancements:
  • Wildlife Monitoring: Utilize camera traps, drones, and other technologies to track wildlife movements and predict potential conflict zones.
  • Early Warning Systems: Developing early warning systems to alert local communities about approaching wildlife, allowing for preventive measures.

Conclusion:

By implementing a combination of habitat conservation, sustainable land-use practices, public awareness, and effective conflict management strategies, we can pave the way for a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.