A total of 685 individuals have lost their lives in human-wildlife conflicts in Tamil Nadu in the last ten years, with 43 fatalities reported just last year. Forest officials emphasize that addressing this crisis requires more than just technology and enforcement. D. Venkatesh, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, highlights the necessity of involving local communities residing near forest fringes to reduce conflict levels.
The Tamil Nadu forest department recently organized a seminar on mitigating human-animal conflict in Coimbatore. The event saw the participation of senior forest officials from various regions, focusing on collaborative strategies for peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. Venkatesh points out that districts along the Western Ghats are experiencing a surge in encounters between people and wildlife.
According to Venkatesh, ecological factors like the spread of invasive plant species have transformed many forest landscapes into “green deserts,” disrupting wildlife movement patterns. The encroachment of forest land, construction of roads through animal corridors, and expansion of cash crop cultivation near forests are identified as major contributors to the problem. The statement highlights that while most fatalities are accidental, human-induced disturbances have escalated conflict situations.
The forest department has been implementing measures to mitigate conflicts, including using artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems to track elephant movements and issue early warnings. However, officials stress that community involvement, adherence to guidelines, and long-term habitat protection efforts are crucial for the success of these initiatives.
