Assessment of Human-wildlife Conflict: A Case Study from Kothale Village in the Kalsubai-Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary (KHWS), Maharashtra, India

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Human-Wildlife Conflicts (HWCs) refer to the interactions between humans and wild animals that result in negative impacts on both sides. Conflicts between humans and wildlife occur when human intervention encroaches on natural ecosystems and animals' wild behavior. This conflict often arises due to resource competition, crop damage, livestock predation, and human safety concerns. This study investigated the nature, causes, and mitigation strategies of HWCs in the Kothale village of Kalsubai-Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary (KHWS), Maharashtra. The 2011 census recorded 112 households in Kothale village, of which 45% gathered data about HWCs. The investigator identified the causes, consequences, and management approaches of human-wildlife conflict in the study area, as well as the perspectives of the local people, using survey questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and observation. The study discusses the local community's household characteristics, livestock, agricultural activities, crop raiding, local people's perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife, their experiences with wildlife, mitigation and management, etc. The survey revealed that during the five previous seasons, wild animals caused 86.27% crop damage, 62.75% attacked livestock, and 15.69% attacked people. The study found that loss of crops and livestock, as well as decreasing animal resources, were the main causes of conflict, along with habitat degradation and fragmentation brought on by human activity. Many victims do not receive compensation because of a lack of awareness among local residents, administrative delays at the local level, and inadequate documentation. Implementing various programs and recommended action plans can reduce human-wildlife conflict.