Increasing wildlife population has intensified concerns of human-animal conflict in Shivamogga district

Shivamogga: As the wildlife population in the state increases, human-wildlife conflict is also intensifying, stated Kumar Pushkar, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden.

Speaking after inaugurating the two-day national conference on 'Human-Wildlife Conflict, Coexistence, and Biodiversity Conservation,' organised by the department of post-graduate studies and research in wildlife and management, Kuvempu University, in collaboration with Karnataka forest department, Chikkamagaluru circle, and Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Pushkar noted that out of the state’s approximately 40,000 sqkm forest area, 11,000 sqkm was identified as protected zones, and conservation measures have led to a visible rise in the wildlife numbers.

He explained that increasing agricultural activities and commercial crops on forest fringes attract animals to human settlements, while road development and increased vehicular traffic, obstruct their free movement, leading to a heightened conflict. While physical barriers like railway barricades, solar fencing and elephant-proof trenches are being constructed, long-term solution needs to focus on genuine efforts for coexistence.

Scientist HN Kumar noted that the conflict is as old as human civilisation, citing the ancient Pashupati sculpture in Nepal, where 'Pashu' means animal and 'Pati' means protector.

IFS officer Pulkit Meena added that technology alone cannot solve the problem, and it is essential to cultivate tolerance towards wildlife among the public.

Vice-chancellor Sharath Ananthamurthy, agriculture economist TN Prakash Kammaradi, IFS officer Yashpal Kshirsagar and Vijaykumar, head of wildlife management department, were present.

Environmentalists raise strong objections

Environmental activist Joseph Hoover and other environmentalists criticised the varsity, arguing that Kuvempu University is hosting a conference on human-wildlife conflict while being situated within the core area of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, which is a primary reason for the escalation of conflicts in Malnad region. They claim the university’s operations are illegal as they lack proper forest clearance and identifying land inside the reserve for compensatory afforestation is a mockery of conservation logic.