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Home / IAS Preparation / Human-Animal Conflict

Understanding Human-Animal Conflict: A Growing Global Concern

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In the intricate tapestry of our planet's ecosystems, the interactions between humans and animals have been woven for millennia. However, in recent years, these interactions have taken on a new and troubling dimension, leading to what is now commonly referred to as Human-Animal Conflict (HAC). 

This article delves deep into the world of HAC, exploring its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

Aspiring UPSC IAS Exam candidates must give utmost importance to this article. To enhance your academic support, you can also consider joining UPSC coaching.

Human-Animal Conflict

Defining Human-Animal Conflict: At its core, Human-Animal Conflict (HAC) denotes the clash between humans and wildlife. This conflict arises when animals, driven by various factors, repeatedly endanger human lives, property, safety, and livelihoods. HAC is not confined to one species or region; it affects a wide range of animals, including elephants, pigs, deer, monkeys, sharks, birds of prey, and rhinos, as well as many large carnivores.

A Global Perspective: While HAC is a global issue, certain regions are more profoundly impacted than others. India, with its substantial human population and diverse wildlife, stands out as one of the most affected nations. The coexistence of humans and a variety of wildlife species in India, including tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinos, and Asiatic lions, creates a complex web of interactions.

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Why Is Human-Animal Conflict on the Rise?

Several factors contribute to the escalating instances of HAC:

Increasing Interaction

As human populations continue to surge, the boundaries between human settlements and natural habitats are increasingly blurred. This proximity leads to heightened interactions and competition for resources, which, in turn, intensify HAC. The destruction of buffer zones, such as agricultural and plantation areas, amplifies this interface.

Fragmentation of Habitats

Development projects like road construction and railway networks fragment and destroy natural habitats, disrupting the ecological balance. Animals are forced to adapt to these changes, often venturing into human settlements in search of sustenance.

Land Use Changes

Urban expansion, coupled with the construction of reservoirs and communities near forests, alters the natural habitats of animals. This shift in behavior and migratory patterns often results in clashes with humans. For instance, the illegal construction along the Nilgiri elephant corridor has exacerbated elephant-human conflicts.

Climate Change

The adverse effects of climate change, including increased flooding, forest fires, and droughts, compel wildlife to leave their natural habitats in search of food and shelter. These forced migrations result in heightened human-animal encounters. For example, in Kaziranga National Park, animals move to higher ground during monsoons due to rising water levels.

Limited Protected Areas

A mere 9.67% of the world's land and sea areas are designated as protected areas. This leaves the majority of species without adequate protection. In India, 35% of tiger habitats exist outside of protected areas.

Invasive Species

The proliferation of invasive plants like Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara in forests reduces the availability of food for wild herbivores. As a result, these animals venture into agricultural fields, exacerbating conflicts with humans.

Conservation Success

Paradoxically, successes in species conservation can lead to new forms of HAC. For example, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972's ban on hunting has caused populations of vermin like wild boars and nilgai to surge, leading to crop damage and subsequent conflicts.

Poaching

Illegal poaching can disrupt the predator-prey balance, forcing predators to seek alternative food sources such as livestock, putting them in direct conflict with humans.

Outcomes of Human-Animal Conflict

The repercussions of HAC are multifaceted and far-reaching:

Loss of Life and Livelihood

HAC poses a direct threat to both human and animal lives. It endangers communities' property, livelihoods, health, and safety while causing species extinction.

Biodiversity Loss

According to reports by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), HAC is a significant threat to biodiversity. It disrupts ecosystems and hampers conservation efforts.

Disease Transmission

Many zoonotic diseases are transmitted through wild animals. An increase in HAC can lead to the transmission of new diseases to humans, similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the Kyasanur Forest Disease and Nipah virus outbreaks have been linked to wildlife interactions.

Impact on Conservation

Frequent conflicts erode public interest in forest and wildlife conservation, which, in turn, affects conservation efforts negatively.

Impact on Sustainable Development

While not explicitly listed, HAC is a crucial theme for achieving biodiversity conservation goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 (Life on Land). Social outrage and debates on the course of human development often arise from severe HAC incidents.

Measures for Protecting Wildlife in India

To mitigate HAC and protect wildlife, India has implemented various measures:

Wildlife Protection Act of 1972

This legislation establishes protected areas like National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves. It also imposes penalties on illegal hunting and trade in wildlife. The Act includes six schedules specifying the protection status of numerous plants and animals.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

Established in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Act's 1972 rules, NBWL serves as the principal authority for examining wildlife-related issues and approving projects near national parks and sanctuaries. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and focuses on wildlife and forest conservation and development.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)

Founded under the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972, WCCB combats the illegal trade in wildlife and endangered species.

Research Institutions

Specialized organizations like the Wildlife Institute of India, the Bombay Natural History Society, and the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History conduct research on wildlife conservation.

Conservation Programs

India has initiated specific projects such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Rhino to safeguard endangered species and halt population declines.

Eco-Sensitive Zones

These zones, located within 10 kilometers of protected areas, act as buffers to protect these regions from detrimental activities.

Project RE-HAB

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched Project RE-HAB to deter elephant attacks on human settlements using honey bees. Bee boxes are used as fences, and this project is part of the National Honey Mission, which aims to improve honey production and beekeepers' income.

The Way Forward

The coexistence of humans and nature will always be fraught with challenges. Thus, the key objective of HAC management should be to enhance the safety of both people and wildlife while promoting harmonious cohabitation. The following steps can guide the way forward:

  • Promote Socioeconomic Development: Encourage communities living near forests to reduce their dependence on these areas by offering sustainable livelihood alternatives.
  • Community Empowerment: Provide technical expertise and organizational support to communities to incorporate coexistence into their planning and management.
  • Holistic Conservation: Develop conservation plans for species prone to conflicts that consider both present conditions and potential future clashes.
  • Interdisciplinary Approaches: Adopt interdisciplinary approaches to comprehensively understand the nature of specific conflicts, identify appropriate resolution strategies, and access the necessary expertise and resources.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Foster partnerships between governments, humanitarian organizations, and conservation bodies to enhance HAC management and risk prevention.
  • One Health Approach: Recognize the importance of the One Health approach, which considers the interconnections among humans, animals, plants, and the shared environment. This collaborative, multisectoral strategy is vital for addressing health and well-being issues holistically.
  • Incorporate HAC into Sustainable Development: Acknowledge HAC as a crucial area for both sustainable development and wildlife preservation. Integrate human-wildlife coexistence into the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make it an official goal of the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) process.

In conclusion, Human-Animal Conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects both human societies and wildlife. As our world continues to evolve, it is imperative that we find innovative and sustainable solutions to manage and mitigate these conflicts. By fostering coexistence, promoting conservation, and prioritizing the well-being of both humans and animals, we can strive towards a more harmonious and balanced future.

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Human Animal Conflict FAQs

Human-Animal Conflict (HAC) refers to the clashes and conflicts that occur when wildlife repeatedly endangers human lives, property, safety, and livelihoods. It encompasses various interactions between humans and animals that pose threats to both parties.

Examples of Human-Animal Conflict include incidents where elephants damage crops, tigers attack livestock, monkeys raid human settlements, and sharks pose threats to swimmers in coastal areas. These are just a few instances of the diverse conflicts that can arise.

Several factors contribute to the increasing instances of Human-Animal Conflict, including growing human populations, habitat fragmentation, land use changes, climate change, limited protected areas, the spread of invasive species, successes in species conservation, and illegal poaching.

Human-Animal Conflict has far-reaching consequences, including loss of life and livelihood, biodiversity loss, disease transmission, impact on conservation efforts, and implications for sustainable development. It can lead to social outrage and debates on human development.

Mitigating Human-Animal Conflict requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting socioeconomic development, empowering communities, adopting holistic conservation plans, interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic partnerships, embracing the One Health approach, and incorporating HAC into sustainable development goals. These measures aim to ensure the coexistence of humans and wildlife while minimizing conflicts.
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