Kashmir Forest Department submits proposal to Indian government on human animal conflict

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007

India: Gov't submits plan for stray wild animals

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Jammu, Jan 22: Replying calling attention notice of Ali Muhammad Sagar and

Muhammad Yaseen Shah, Minister for Forests and Environment Qazi Muhammad

Afzal stated in Legislative Assembly Monday that to deal with the problem of

straying of wild animals into habitations on long term basis, a

comprehensive proposal for strengthening the department in terms of

mobility, communication, equipment, trapping/translocation facilities,

rescue centers, training, compensation package, honorarium to

eco-development communities and awareness raising has been prepared and

submitted to Government of India.

 

There have been certain cases where black bears have surfaced in the

outskirts of Srinagar along Zabarwan hills (like Brain, Nishat, Dara of

Sonwar constituency) and in Ganderbal outskirts from October to December.

Besides, there have been other instances where wild animals like black bear

and leopard have surfaced in rural habitations adjoining the forests in

Kashmir as well as in Jammu regions. There have been some deaths and

injuries also in the rural areas due to attacks by wild animals like black

bear and leopard.

 

In Sonwar constituency, two deaths and eight injuries have been caused due

to such attacks in 2006.

 

The reasons for increase in the cases of attacks by wild animals like black

bear and leopard are shrinking habitats for the wild animals, spread of

human settlements, decimation of forest cover, decrease in population of

herbivores (prey base) in the forest areas in case of leopard, and increase

in Horticulture plantations particularly apple and walnut in areas adjacent

to forests in case of black bear. Also due to complete ban on hunting and

fur trade in the State since 1997, these wild animals have been afforded

better protection than in the past. Though no census of leopard or black

bear has been conducted, their frequent sightings and the incidents of

man-animal conflicts indicate that their population might be on the

increase.

 

The department of Wildlife Protection makes whatever efforts are possible

within its resources to tackle the situations that arise when wild animals

are surfaced in habitations. In most cases, animals are flushed out and

offered safe passage back to the forest. The Department also makes efforts

to tranquilize or trap the animal when it is required or feasible to do so.

In a situation when the wild animal turns to be a man-eater, permission for

its elimination is also given.

 

Besides the above, the department conducts awareness drive through radio,

TV, newspapers and handouts to educate local people about certain do's and

don'ts to prevent man-animal conflicts. The people are also educated about

necessary precautionary measures for safety to be followed in such

situations. It is noteworthy that the Department of Wildlife Protection does

not have its presence through out the state. Its presence is usually in

protected areas viz. Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and Conservation

Reserves. To deal with situations of man-animal conflicts in all areas,

whether declared to be protected areas or not, coordination between Forest

(Territorial), Wildlife Department, Forest Protection Force, District

Administration and police is being strengthened.

 

In case of causalities resulting from man-animal conflicts, the department

provides compensation to the victims.

 

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