Context: At a National Board for Wildlife (NBW) meeting, PM Modi proposed setting up a center for effective human-wildlife conflict management.

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Key Factors Contributing to Human-Wildlife Conflict in India

Some of the important factors that contribute to human-wildlife conflict in India include:

• Habitat Fragmentation: Infrastructure projects and agricultural expansion reduce wildlife habitats, forcing animals into human settlements.
• Resource Scarcity in Protected Areas: Some national parks lack sufficient food, water, and mates, increasing wildlife movement.
• Increasing Animal Populations: Conservation efforts have boosted species like lions and elephants, intensifying competition for space.
• Prey Base Limitations: Insufficient prey in national parks drives predators like lions and tigers into villages, leading to livestock attacks.
• Human Encroachment: Expanding settlements and roads increase human-wildlife encounters.
• Lack of Translocation Efforts: Reluctance to relocate overpopulated species (e.g., Gir lions) worsens conflicts.
• Invasive Species: Non-native plant species alter ecosystems, reducing food for herbivores, escalating conflicts.
• Climate Change: Erratic rainfall, droughts, and temperature shifts force animals into human habitats.
• Lack of Awareness: Poor knowledge about animal behavior and coexistence leads to panic and conflicts.
• Government Policies: Delayed compensation for crop/livestock loss and inadequate conflict mitigation worsen the issue.

Read the article on the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)!

Measures that Help Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict in India

The following measures can be adopted to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in India:

• Habitat Conservation: Strengthen protected areas, restore forests, and maintain wildlife corridors.
• Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Wildlife overpasses, underpasses, canopy bridges on highways can ensure safe movement.
• Early Warning Systems: Use GPS tracking, sensor-based alarms, and community alerts to warn villagers.
• Use of Technology: AI-based monitoring can track animal movements to prevent conflicts.
• Fencing & Barriers: Install solar-powered electric fences, bio-fences (chili or beehive fences), and trenches to deter animals.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Promote non-palatable crops (e.g., chili, ginger) in conflict-prone areas.
• Community Participation: Involve local communities in conservation efforts through eco-tourism and employment.
  • Example: Maldhari pastoralists played a major role in Project Lion (Lion population increased from <20 in the early 20th century to 670 in 2020).
• Conflict Response Teams: Establish trained rapid response teams to relocate animals safely.
• Legal & Policy Framework: Strengthen wildlife protection laws, regulate land-use planning, and integrate conflict mitigation into development projects.
• Awareness & Education: Conduct school programs, community awareness campaigns, and training for villagers on safe coexistence strategies.

Read the article on the Loss of Biodiversity!

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UPSC Practice Question

While technological interventions can aid in mitigating human-wildlife conflict, ecological and community-based approaches remain crucial. Critically analyze the role of both in ensuring sustainable wildlife conservation in India. (Ink in 250 words)