Syllabus: GS-III
Subject: Ecology and Environment
Topic: Biodiversity and Conservation
Issue: Human Animal Conflict
Reason behind increase in human animal conflict:
- Forestlands cleared for non-forest use initiate ecosystem destruction,
- Such destruction get worsened by Monoculture plantations and pesticide use leading to soil depletion, reduced crop yields, and diseases.
- Expansion of resorts and tourism, especially in forest edges and elephant corridors
- Cattle grazing, planting invasive plants, and forest fires contribute to destruction of habitat.
The way ahead:
- Government efforts must focus on continuous conservation, public awareness, and stakeholder engagement.
- A high-level panel and Rapid Response Teams to address immediate issues.
- A statutory body is necessary to coordinate forest issues across departments to assess the situation and develop effective strategies.
- Strict enforcement of the Forest Conservation Act with Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) principle is essential.
| +1 Advantage for mains ( data point)
·        A study report titled Right of Passage: Elephant Corridors of India conducted by Wildlife Trust of India identified 88 elephant corridors in 2005. ·         As per the report, 24% of the corridors were under reserve forest and 76% under forest, agriculture, tea gardens, and human settlements. ·        In Kerala alone there were 20,957 cases of crop loss due to incursions by wild animals, leading to the death of 1,559 domestic animals, primarily cattle. (Between-2017-23) |
