Recent incidents in Kerala highlight the urgent need for increased funding to address man-animal conflict. Congress Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi has reached out to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, requesting financial support for Wayanad. This follows several tragic deaths from wildlife attacks, particularly elephant incidents. The situation has escalated, prompting concerns about safety in rural areas.
Statistics on Wildlife Attacks
Between 2017-18 and January 2025, 774 people died from wildlife attacks. Of these, 516 fatalities were due to snakebites occurring outside forest areas. Historical data from 2010 to 2020 reveals that 729 out of 1,048 wildlife-related deaths were linked to snakebites. The majority of these incidents happen in populated regions, not within forest boundaries.
Wildlife Protection Regulations
The WildLife Protection Act of 1972 categorises snakes into different schedules based on their venomous status. Venomous snakes like the king cobra are listed under Schedule II, while non-venomous species such as the Indian python fall under Schedule I. This legal framework aims to protect these species from harm, despite the rising number of human encounters.
Habitat Destruction and Urbanisation
The destruction of natural habitats has forced snakes closer to human settlements. Sacred groves, known as ‘kavus’, traditionally served as safe havens for snakes. Urbanisation has led to the disappearance of these areas, increasing human-snake interactions. As snakes lose their natural habitats, they seek refuge in congested urban environments, leading to more frequent encounters.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change is exacerbating the situation in Kerala. Rising temperatures have altered the natural behaviour of snakes, compelling them to seek cooler environments, including human dwellings. In 2024, the forest department rescued over 16,000 snakes from urban areas. This trend indicates a growing conflict between humans and wildlife, driven by environmental changes.
Government Initiatives for Mitigation
In response to the rising threat of snakebites, Kerala has implemented several measures. The state launched the Snake Awareness and Rescue Protection (SARPA) App in 2020, enlisting around 2,500 trained volunteers to assist in snake rescues. Furthermore, the government aims for zero mortality from snakebites within five years and has increased compensation for snakebite victims’ families from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.
Community Involvement and Education
Community engagement is crucial in addressing wildlife conflicts. Educational initiatives are being introduced to raise awareness about snakes and their habitats. Training programmes for agricultural workers aim to reduce snakebite incidents, especially among those working in farmlands without protective gear.
Future Directions
The focus on man-animal conflict is evolving. While wild elephants and tigers often dominate discussions, snakes also require attention. Continued funding and community involvement are essential in developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate these conflicts effectively.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the impact of urbanisation on wildlife habitats and its implications for biodiversity conservation.
- Examine the effectiveness of the WildLife Protection Act of 1972 in addressing human-wildlife conflict in India.
- Estimate the role of climate change in altering wildlife behaviour and its effects on human safety.
- Point out the socio-economic factors contributing to increased snakebite incidents in rural Kerala.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically discuss the impact of urbanisation on wildlife habitats and its implications for biodiversity conservation.
- Urbanisation leads to habitat destruction, reducing natural spaces for wildlife.
- Loss of sacred groves (‘kavus’) has increased human-wildlife interactions.
- Fragmentation of habitats disrupts migration patterns and species survival.
- Urban areas often lack green corridors, limiting wildlife movement.
- Increased pollution and human activity further threaten biodiversity.
2. Examine the effectiveness of the WildLife Protection Act of 1972 in addressing human-wildlife conflict in India.
- The Act categorizes wildlife species for protection, including venomous snakes.
- It has raised awareness and legal frameworks for conservation efforts.
- However, enforcement is often weak, leading to continued human-wildlife conflicts.
- There is a need for more comprehensive strategies beyond legal protections.
- Community involvement and education are crucial for the Act’s effectiveness.
3. Estimate the role of climate change in altering wildlife behaviour and its effects on human safety.
- Climate change leads to rising temperatures, affecting wildlife habitats.
- Snakes are seeking cooler environments, increasing encounters with humans.
- Changes in weather patterns disrupt food availability and animal migration.
- Extreme weather events can lead to more wildlife entering human territories.
- Adaptation strategies are needed to mitigate risks to human safety.
4. Point out the socio-economic factors contributing to increased snakebite incidents in rural Kerala.
- High agricultural activity places workers in close proximity to snake habitats.
- Many workers lack protective gear, increasing vulnerability to bites.
- Poverty limits access to medical facilities and timely treatment.
- Urban migration has led to habitat encroachment, increasing snake encounters.
- Community awareness and education on snake safety are often inadequate.
