Abstract
The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is an important nature conservation area for the country having a good population of wild animals. However, on the fringes of this national park, there are issues of human-wildlife conflict such as crop raiding by wild animals, which is an underestimated problem. The constant threat of crop predators and perceived loss in crop produce has discouraged agriculture in close vicinity of the park. Farming is the main livelihood for the people living near TATR, therefore it is an urgent need to keep under review the alternative options that can contribute to farmers’ welfare. Considering the developing medicinal plant demand, there is potential in cultivating non-palatable traded medicinal plant species that are resistant to crop-raiding by wildlife. The paper suggests such a model for farmers. We focus on research, awareness, motivation, facilitation and establishing market linkages.
Highlights
Agriculture plays a vital role in India’s economy
At the same time, agricultural lands close to protected areas (PAs) often face crop raiding by wild herbivores, which is a serious problem for farmers whose livelihoods depend on agricultural produce [1,2,3,4]
The problem needs to be addressed at multiple levels including measures to reduce the damage, encouraging alternative crop species which are non-palatable to herbivores, along with alternative livelihood options [9]
Summary
Agriculture plays a vital role in India’s economy. Over 58 per cent of the rural households depend on agriculture as their principal means of livelihood, our study area adjoining Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) not being an exception. At the same time, agricultural lands close to protected areas (PAs) often face crop raiding by wild herbivores, which is a serious problem for farmers whose livelihoods depend on agricultural produce [1,2,3,4]. In order to avoid economic loss, farmers apply a range of protective measures. They include manual guarding, various types of fences, trenches and other devices. The traditional fences are made using wooden poles and thorny branches lopped from nearby forests causing substantial damage to the forest. Destructive measures such as traps can kill or injure animals. The traditional practices which generally keep raiding at bay and even culling are not advisable to avoid this conflict
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