Human-Animal conflict emerges out of the competition that arises between humans and wildlife for shared resources. It is a recurring issue, particularly in regions with significant wildlife populations such as Kerala, India. One recent incident involving this type of conflict saw a local man attacked by an elephant, and a herd of elephants raiding a field of 500 plantains near Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Such conflicts have become a wildlife management issue in Kerala over the past few years, causing residents living near reserve forests and sanctuaries to feel increasingly threatened.
At the crux of the Human-Animal conflict are struggles stemming from direct or perceived threats to human interests caused by the presence or behavior of wildlife. These issues often lead to disagreements among communities and can negatively impact both people and wildlife.
Key catalysts for this type of conflict include human population expansion, habitat degradation and fragmentation, transformation of land use, and increased livestock density near protected areas.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A Focal Point
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) in Kerala is a hotbed for Human-Animal conflict due to its rich biodiversity. Established in 1973, WWS is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which was the first from India to be included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2012.
Spanning over 344.44 sq km, WWS shares borders with the tiger reserves of Nagerhole and Bandipur in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. Along with an array of South Indian Moist Deciduous forests, West coast semi-evergreen forests, and various plantations, the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of exotic animals, including Elephants, Tigers, Panthers, Sambars, and more.
Elephant Conservation Status: A Cause for Concern
The status of elephant species worldwide has been a matter of concern for conservationists. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species, all three types of elephants – African Forest Elephant, African Savanna Elephant, and Asian Elephant are at risk.
Elephants also fall under Appendix I of the Convention of the Migratory species (CMS) and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, emphasizing the necessity for their protection.
Noteworthy Protected Areas in Kerala and Relevant UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
Kerala is home to several protected areas, providing habitats to diverse flora and fauna. These sanctuaries have also been a topic of interest in UPSC Civil Services Examinations.
In 2020, one such question referred to Indian elephants and their behavior, including gestation period, calving age, and leadership within groups. Another question asked about the location of various protected areas within the Cauvery basin.
Understanding these issues not only serves to enrich our knowledge about wildlife but also stresses the importance of conservation efforts, highlighting the significant role that humanity must play in protecting our co-inhabitants on Earth.