• UGI USER
  • Feb 21, 2024
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WHY ARE HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICTS ESCALATING IN KERALA?

Why in the news?

The escalating human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala, highlighting the reasons behind such incidents, the scale of the problem in the state, and proposed solutions.

source:scribd

About the Magnitude of Conflict escalating in Kerala:

  • Statewide Impact: Recorded over 48,000 crop damage incidents across 1,004 areas, indicating a widespread issue.
  • Hotspot Regions: Nilambur north, Wayanad south, and Wayanad north forest ranges are identified as hotspots with the highest conflict incidences.
  • Major Culprits: Elephants, wild boars, and bonnet macaques are responsible for significant crop damage and livestock losses, exacerbating the conflict.
What is the project Elephant?

●   Initiated: Project Elephant began in 1992.

●   Objective: Supports wildlife management efforts for free-ranging populations of wild Asian Elephants.

●   Administration: Managed by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests.

 Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

·    ESZ Definition: Areas within 10 km of national parks and sanctuaries.

·    Varied Application: Union govt. may extend beyond 10 km for significant ecological corridors.

·    Purpose: Protect fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats.