Introduction
- Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) refers to interactions between humans and wildlife that result in negative impacts on livelihoods, safety, or animal conservation.
- The Chandrapur tiger attacks (2024–25) highlight the intensifying nature of such conflicts amid rising tiger populations and shrinking natural habitats.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Dimensions of the Conflict
1. Ecological Dimension
- Shrinking habitats and fragmented corridors due to mining, roads, and agriculture.
- Breach of carrying capacity in tiger reserves (e.g., Tadoba has ~3X optimal density).
- Depletion of prey base forces predators to seek cattle or humans.
2. Socio-Economic Dimension
- Local dependence on forest for firewood, fodder, and non-timber forest produce.
- Death or injury causes income shock and mental trauma.
- Cultural tolerance in regions like Chandrapur: Tiger viewed as a deity, death accepted as fate.
3. Governance & Policy Dimension
- Poor conflict-prevention infrastructure (fencing, trenching).
- Delayed or inadequate compensation under state schemes.
- CAMPA funds underutilised for mitigation, mostly spent on afforestation.
4. Legal Framework Limitations
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972) prioritises species protection over human safety.
- No statutory conflict-management body exists.
- Tourism models often ignore ecological stress and proximity to human settlements.
5. Technological & Administrative Interventions
- Chandrapur Forest Division: 982 camera traps, AI alerts, 181 Rapid Response Teams.
- Drones used for night-time surveillance.
- Awareness campaigns in villages; forest patrolling during peak conflict months.
6. Ethical and Cultural Dimension
- Cultural acceptance vs. policy expectations – villagers worship tigers but seek protection.
- Raises debate: Ecocentric vs. Anthropocentric approaches to conservation.
Case Studies
Chandrapur, Maharashtra (2024–25)
- Over 25 deaths in 5 months.
- Tiger density far exceeds sustainable levels.
- Forest dept. launched awareness drives, patrolling, and AI tracking.
Sundarbans, West Bengal
- Use of traditional mask method on the back of head to reduce tiger attacks.
- Rising sea levels and cyclones (e.g., Amphan) increased tiger movement inland.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh
- Won TX2 Award for doubling tigers while minimizing conflict via village relocation and buffer development.
Wayanad, Kerala
- Farmer protests demanding declaration of wild boar as vermin to protect crops.
Way Forward
- Institutional Reforms: Set up Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Authority under MoEFCC.
- Decentralised Response: Empower Gram Panchayats and Forest Rights Committees for quick mitigation.
- Community Incentives: Eco-tourism revenue sharing; insurance for crops/livestock.
- Data-Driven Tracking: AI-based early warning systems + real-time alerts.
- Compensation Reforms: Timely and adequate monetary relief via DBT.
- Corridor Restoration: Link fragmented habitats and avoid infrastructure through wildlife zones.
Useful Data Points
- 35% of world’s tigers in India; only 3% of global tiger habitat.
- 1,000+ human deaths due to wildlife (2018–2022) – MoEFCC.
- Over 60% of India’s forests are inhabited by forest-dependent people – FSI.
