As urban expansion and changing agricultural practices reshape landscapes, conflicts between humans and wildlife are becoming increasingly common. Experts at the India Today Environment - Sustainability Conclave discussed the complex dynamics driving these conflicts and the urgent need for innovative conservation strategies.
Dr. Aritra Kshettry, National Lead for Elephant Conservation at WWF-India, identified three primary factors contributing to man-animal conflicts: economic losses, shifting social values, and evolving animal behaviors. Communities suffering from crop damage and livestock losses face both direct financial impacts and additional costs related to protective measures.
He pointed out that traditional values of coexistence with wildlife are eroding, leading to increased conflicts. Wildlife is also adapting, changing its behavior to navigate shrinking habitats and the growing human presence. “Animals are learning to share space with us in new ways,” Kshettry warned, noting that these adaptations could further escalate conflicts.
Biologist Ravi Chellam, CEO of Metastring Foundation, emphasized the need for a broader conservation approach that goes beyond protected areas. “Conservation cannot be restricted to national parks and sanctuaries,” he stated, advocating for the integration of wildlife corridors, buffer zones, and ecological restoration in planning.
He linked the rise in conflicts to habitat destruction following India’s post-1990 economic liberalization, which forced wildlife to adapt to human-dominated spaces. “We expect wildlife to respect boundaries, while we continue exploiting their habitats,” he remarked, calling for essential corridors and connectivity between fragmented ecosystems.
Subhash K. Malkhede, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) in Karnataka, noted that conflicts now involve a diverse range of species. “Expecting forest departments alone to manage all wild animals is unrealistic,” he stated, highlighting that wildlife is also adapting as apex predators in their ecosystems.
With both humans and wildlife evolving in response to environmental pressures, the conclave underscored a crucial message: man-animal conflict is a persistent challenge, and the path forward lies in adaptation and coexistence.