Trends of Human-Wildlife Conflicting in Kali Tiger Reserve Forest, Karnataka, South India

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a growing concern, impacting both conservation efforts and livelihoods. This study was conducted to analyse trends in wildlife conflicts involving agriculture, cattle, and human injuries from 2015-16 to 2022-23 with a focus on the Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, India. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) method was used to assess the data, revealing critical insights. Agriculture-wildlife conflict showed an overall upward trend with a CAGR of 3.16 per cent. Notably, there was a significant increase in 2016-17, followed by fluctuations in subsequent years. This conflict arises due to natural habitat fragmentation and deterioration resulting animals encroaching on agricultural fields. Cattle-wildlife conflict exhibited a CAGR of 8.20 per cent, indicating a gradual increase with fluctuating cases from year to year. Tigers and leopards pose a threat to farmers who graze cattle near the forest reserves. Innovative solutions are required to balance the synergy of agriculture production and wildlife management policy. Human injuries due to wildlife displayed fluctuations, with a slight overall decrease (CAGR -0.47%) in the number of cases and an increase of 2.66 per cent in compensation. These incidents occur when people venture into forests for various reasons. Proper regulations and permissions are necessary to minimize such encounters. Overall compensation payments showed a CAGR of 5.83 per cent, reflecting fluctuating growth rates and significant changes in 2022-23. The forest and wildlife conservation sectors determine compensation based on specific factors for crop loss, cattle deaths, and human injuries. However, conflicts related to human injuries have shown a declining trend. The study suggests relocating rehabilitation efforts away from forest buffer zones and introducing off farm activities for affected communities to reduce their dependence on the forest.