Supreme court verdict on Human-Animal conflict

25 Apr Supreme court verdict on Human-Animal conflict

Why in the news?

The Supreme Court issued awarning on Wednesday, highlighting the critical threat posed by human-wildlife conflicts to the preservation of forests and wildlife. Justice B.R. Gavai emphasized the urgent need for striking a delicate balance that safeguards the rights of both humans and animals.

In a pivotal case involving the delineation of boundaries for Assam’s Pobitora wildlife sanctuary and the resolution of rights for marginalized communities residing within its confines, the court underscored the imperative of resolving conflicts between humans and animals. It stressed that failure to address these conflicts could lead to the extinction of forests and wildlife.

The court’s remarks underscored the pressing need for sustainable solutions that uphold the rights of all stakeholders while ensuring the preservation of precious ecosystems and biodiversity.

Different dimensions of Human-Animal conflict

Ecological Dimension:

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:

One of the primary drivers of human-animal conflict is the loss and fragmentation in the natural habitats. Rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and industrial development have encroached upon wildlife habitats, shrinking the available space for animals. Fragmentation disrupts ecological connectivity, isolating populations and increasing their vulnerability to human activities.

Altered Ecological Dynamics:

Human disturbances alter ecological dynamics, leading to shifts in species distribution and behavior. Species like elephants, tigers, and leopards, which require large territories, are particularly affected. Reduced habitat availability forces animals to venture into human settlements for search of food and water, escalating conflicts.

Human-Induced Stress:

Anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, air pollution, and climate change impose stress on wildlife populations. This stress can manifest in altered feeding patterns, increased aggression, and heightened vulnerability to diseases, exacerbating conflict situations.

Socio-economic Dimension:

Livelihood Dependence:

Many communities in rural areas depend on agriculture and livestock rearing for their livelihoods. Crop raiding by wildlife poses a direct threat to their sustenance, leading to resentment and retaliatory killings. Loss of crops or livestock can push already marginalized communities into poverty, perpetuating the cycle of conflict.

Infrastructure Development:

Infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and dams often penetrate wildlife habitats, exacerbating fragmentation. These developments not only directly displace animals but also facilitate human encroachment into previously undisturbed areas, intensifying conflicts.

Urbanization and Land Use Change:

Rapid urbanization leads to the conversion of natural landscapes into urban sprawls and agricultural lands. This transformation not only reduces habitat availability for wildlife but also brings humans and animals into closer proximity, increasing the frequency of encounters and conflicts.

Cultural Dimension:

Traditional Beliefs and Practices:

In many cultures, animals hold significant cultural and religious value. However, conflicts arise when these revered animals, such as elephants in India, pose threats to human lives and livelihoods. Balancing cultural reverence with practical solutions to mitigate conflicts presents a unique challenge.

Conflict Perception and Attitudes:

Attitudes toward wildlife vary among different communities. While some may view animals as pests or threats, others may hold more positive attitudes and advocate for their conservation. These diverse perceptions influence conflict mitigation strategies and community participation in conservation efforts.

Policy and Legal Framework:

1. Wildlife Protection Acts: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, provides legal protection to endangered species and regulates activities related to wildlife conservation, hunting, and trade. Amendments to the act have been made over the years to strengthen wildlife protection measures.
2. Forest Rights Act: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities over traditional forest lands and empowers them to participate in conservation and management activities.
3. Compensation Schemes: State governments have implemented compensation schemes to provide financial relief to farmers and communities affected by crop raiding, livestock depredation, and human injuries or fatalities caused by wildlife.

Conservation Initiatives:

1. Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aims to conserve the tiger population and its habitat. It includes measures such as habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and community participation in tiger conservation.
2. Project Elephant: Initiated in 1992, Project Elephant focuses on the conservation and management of elephant populations and their habitats. It addresses issues such as habitat fragmentation, human-elephant conflict, and elephant corridors.
3. Eco-sensitive Zones: The establishment of eco-sensitive zones around protected areas helps to regulate developmental activities and minimize human disturbances in critical wildlife habitats.

Community Engagement:

1. Joint Forest Management: Collaborative forest management initiatives involve local communities in the protection and sustainable use of forest resources. These partnerships promote coexistence between humans and wildlife while improving livelihood opportunities for local communities.
2. Awareness and Education: Government agencies, NGOs, and conservation organizations conduct awareness campaigns and educational programs to sensitise communities about wildlife conservation, HAC mitigation measures, and the importance of coexistence.

Technological Solutions:

1. Electric Fencing: Electric fencing is used to deter crop raiding by wildlife in agricultural areas. It helps in reducing human-wildlife conflicts by creating physical barriers without causing harm to animals.
2. Early Warning Systems: Deploying early warning systems, such as camera traps and sensor-based devices, helps in monitoring wildlife movements and alerting communities about the presence of wildlife in their vicinity, enabling them to take preventive measures.

Research and Monitoring:

1. Scientific Research: Government agencies, research institutions, and conservation NGOs conduct research on wildlife ecology, behavior, and habitat use to develop evidence-based strategies for HAC mitigation.
2. Monitoring Programs: Regular monitoring of wildlife populations, habitat status, and conflict incidents helps in assessing the effectiveness of conservation measures and identifying areas for intervention.

Conclusion:

The Government of India has recognized the importance of addressing the human-animal conflict and has taken several steps to mitigate its impacts through policy interventions, conservation initiatives, community engagement, and technological solutions. However, the challenge remains dynamic and complex, requiring continuous efforts and collaboration between government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.

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