Reduce Wildlife Conflict

It is not new that there has been persistent conflict between humans and animal since the evolution of Homo sapiens on the earth thousands of years ago. Animals, including the ancestors of apes and other primates, preceded humans millions of years ago. Modern humans also developed from other animals through a long process of natural selection, as Darwin claimed. It is assumed that, at times, both humans and animals fought against each other for survival. As they shared the same places and searched for wild foods, their conflicts were natural. As humans started to live in settlements and got engaged in agriculture, their conflicts with the animals might have significantly come down. Nonetheless, the situation moved in a reverse direction – the human population grew in leaps and bounds, but the number of wild creatures declined over the centuries. 

The reasons for the rapid decline of animals were obvious: shrinking of their habitats and foods. The growing population has put immense stress on natural resources. The tendency to exploit nature recklessly triggered various problems. It is the wildlife that is hit hard due to the unchecked encroachment of forests. This has other negative ramifications – the destruction of ecology and biodiversity. As humans infringe upon their green territories, the animals have been forced to come out of the wild in search of food and shelter. Unlike in the pre-historic age, killing animals amounts to a crime in modern times. There has been a broader understanding that preserving animals is essential for the environment of the planet where both humans and animals live.  

Today, human-wildlife conflict has become a serious issue. The number of people who have lost their lives in wildlife attacks is increasing. In the fiscal year 2079/80, around 39 people were killed and 200 injured in their encounters with the animals. More than 531 houses were damaged, with 10,426 incidents of wildlife-related damage that occurred during the period. The rising population density and unscientific land use around the protected and conservation areas have been attributed to the spike in unexpected human-animal conflicts.  Wildlife crimes such as poaching are also contributing to human- wildlife encounters.  This has indeed increased the risk of life of people residing in the vicinity of conservation areas. In the areas where wildlife crimes are high, the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has started providing training on wildlife crime prevention in the Baitadi district, according to a news report of this daily.  

Baitadi is one of the few districts that has witnessed the worst human-animal conflict. Since 2011, leopards have killed at least 28 people in the district. An equal number of monsters were also killed in traps. Due to poaching, leopards lost their natural prey, driving them towards domestic animals and humans.  The NTNC has installed 50 automated cameras in three affected municipalities - Melauil Municipality, Shivanath Rural Municipality and Pancheshwar Rural Municipality. The research teams recorded roaming leopards and wildlife activities for 15 days. They have mapped wildlife habitats and biological corridors. Initiatives such as cross-border conservation interactions, management of protected areas, promotion of alternative livelihoods, construction of predator-proof livestock sheds, establishment of wildlife rescue centres and deployment of equipment and personnel are expected to play a critical role in preventing human-wildlife conflict. Moreover, awareness in the community is a must to promote human-wildlife coexistence.