Escalation in human-wildlife conflict in Bandipur, Nagarhole NPs; other forest areas

Statistics collated by the Karnataka Forest Department indicate that there was a serious escalation in human-wildlife conflicts in the year 2005-06, particularly in Mysore and surrounding areas. Increase of human population in areas surrounding forests and resultant increase in fuelwood collection and grazing of cattle in the forests has been suggested as one of the main reasons for this escalation. The other reasons include the conversion of forest areas to agricultural lands and development spurred by the water reservoirs in the region at Kabini, Nugu and Tharaka. 

The statistics show an unprecedented rise in crop loss due to animal attacks over the last four years. In Mysore Forest circle alone, which includes Mysore, Mandya and Hunsur, human-animal conflict is said to have gone up nearly four times within the last one year. While 815 cases including crop damage, death of animals, humans and injury by wildlife were reported in 2004-05, this number was 2,331 in 2005-06. 

A similar trend has been noticed in the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarahole and Bandipur NPs too. A total of 2,446 incidents were witnessed in 2005-06 against 2,262 in 2004-05. In Nagarhole conflict instances increased three fold, from 408 in 2004-05 to nearly 1300 in 2005-06. This is the highest figure of conflicts here in the last five years. 

The Forest Department is said to be making a number of efforts to deal with the problem but not much success has been achieved. Elephant squads, headed by a guard and involving unemployed local youth have been created. Solar fencing too has been tried. While it has been effective, a big problem is created on account of the loss due to theft and damage by shepherds. 

The Forest Department has now submitted a Rs. 1.5 Crore proposal for the construction of permanent walls in Kodagu, Nagarahole, Bandipur, Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajnagar and Kollegal. Efforts are also going to be made to improve habitat and cater to the water and fodder needs of the wild animals so that the chances of them straying into nearby villages is reduced.

Source: S Prashantha. ‘Habitat loss triggers animal conflicts in Mysore forest circle’, Deccan Herald, 18/12/06.

Contact: Field Director, Bandipur Project Tiger Reserve, Aranya Bhawan, Ashokapuram, Mysore – 570008, Karnataka. Tel: 0821-2480901(O), 2484980 (R). 

Chief Wildlife Warden - Karnataka, 2^nd Floor, 18^th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore – 560003, Karnataka. Tel: 080-3341993 / 3345846. Email: pccfwl@vsnl.com