Striking a Balance in Human-Wildlife Conflicts of India

Confrontations between humans and wildlife, particularly involving?common leopards (Panthera pardus)?and?Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)?in the?Himalayan region, pose formidable challenges for both local communities and conservation efforts. A recent study by Datta, P., et.al., (2024) has contributed to bridge critical gaps in existing research by delving beyond landscape-level predictors. It examined loss patterns resulting from leopard and elephant encounters, evaluates the effectiveness of coping strategies, and considers socio-economic factors associated with these conflicts within the?Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR). The study, based on?face-to-face interviews with 345 households?across?10 forest villages, reveals intriguing insights.

The study revealed that leopards predominantly target cows during the day and goats during both day and night, while elephants raid crops, particularly during crucial agricultural phases like paddy transplantation and harvesting. Financial losses prompt the adoption of coping strategies, with traditional measures showing limited effectiveness. Visual deterrents like flashing bright LED torchlights for elephants and night lights for leopards prove more promising. Larger households with substantial livestock are more vulnerable to leopard attacks, and rice cultivation areas and the eastern division of the BTR face heightened elephant-related crop damage.

The interaction between humans and wildlife in India's Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) offers valuable insights into the dynamics of coexistence and conflict. From leopard-induced livestock losses to elephant crop raiding, the patterns of these interactions reveal a complex interplay between predators and prey. The financial repercussions of these wildlife encounters have spurred communities to adopt various coping mechanisms. Traditional approaches have proven ineffective, prompting the implementation of innovative solutions. Moreover, socio-economic factors significantly influence the intensity of wildlife incursions. In order to gain a deeper understanding of these complex interactions, it is essential to expand the scope of these type of research. These researches are crucial for developing effective conservation and conflict resolution strategies that address the varied challenges faced by communities living alongside wildlife.

Source ?? Datta, P., Behera, B., Sonobe, T., & Chand, S. (2024). Human Coexistence with Leopards and Elephants: Losses and Coping Strategies in an Indian Tiger Reserve.?Trees, Forests and People, 100518.