Human-animal Conflict Research Articles

BLOOD LEAD CONCENTRATION ANALYSIS BETWEEN REHABILITATION FACILITY AND PERI-URBAN ENVIRONMENT VIRGINIA OPOSSUMS (DIDELPHIS VIRGINIANA) OF ILLINOIS.

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the only marsupial in North America with a natural range north of Mexico. Its range is widespread throughout the United States, including Illinois. Virginia opossums are opportunistic omnivores that will eat a variety of fruits, grains, insects, and even carrion. They are a ground-foraging species, with frequent soil contact allowing for potential exposure to heavy metal contaminants in terrestrial environments. They are also opportunists that thrive in human-altered ecosystems, including peri-urban environments. Lead is a naturally occurring element and highly toxic metal that is abundant in the soil, primarily due to anthropogenic factors such as fossil fuel use, paint, industrial production waste, and battery recycling. Furthermore, carrion and offal piles containing lead bullet fragments remaining from hunting result in environmental contamination of this heavy metal. Few studies exist on lead exposure in the Virginia opossum. This pilot study evaluates the blood lead burden of 16 free-ranging Virginia opossums presented to a wildlife rehabilitation facility, compared with 16 wild-caught Virginia opossums trapped in grassland, maintained forest, or mixed ecotones. In other species, lead toxicosis has been associated with cognitive dysfunction that may increase the likelihood of trauma or injury in a free-ranging setting. In addition, a high incidence of Virginia opossums presenting for wildlife rehabilitation do so as result of human-animal conflict. Therefore, it was anticipated that individuals presenting for wildlife rehabilitation would have significantly higher blood lead concentrations than their free-roaming counterparts. In this study, every Virginia opossum had measurable blood lead concentrations and the average blood lead concentration of the rehabilitated group was 2.7 times higher than that measured in wild-caught Virginia opossums. These results suggest that Virginia opossums are exposed and susceptible to lead toxicosis due to their diet and foraging behaviors, making them more prone to subsequent injury and presentation to wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Multi-level LSTM framework with hybrid sonic features for human–animal conflict evasion

Multi-level LSTM framework with hybrid sonic features for human–animal conflict evasion

Scavengers in the human-dominated landscape: an experimental study.

Rapid urbanization is a major cause of habitat and biodiversity loss and human-animal conflict. While urbanization is inevitable, we need to develop a good understanding of the urban ecosystem and the urban-adapted species, in order to ensure sustainable cities for our future. Scavengers play a major role in urban ecosystems, and often, urban adaptation involves a shift towards scavenging behaviour in wild animals. We experimented at different sites in the state of West Bengal, India, to identify the scavenging guild within urban habitats, in response to human-provided food. Our study found a total of 17 different vertebrate species across 15 sites, over 498 sessions of observations. We carried out network analysis to understand the dynamics of the system and found that the free-ranging dog and common myna were key species within the scavenging networks. This study revealed the complexity of scavenging networks within human-dominated habitats. This article is part of the theme issue 'Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions'.

The socio-ecological impacts of tourism development in the Western Ghats: the case of Wayanad, India

Globally, tourism is advocated as a development tool with the potential to uplift socioeconomic conditions for marginalized populations and contribute to biodiversity conservation. The expectation is that the tourism model of development can bring about positive social changes in diverse communities by broadening livelihood opportunities and concurrently preserving crucial ecosystems, which are regarded as valuable assets in the tourism sector. We investigated Wayanad in the Western Ghats of India, challenging the notion of “tourism for development.” We examined the socio-ecological features of the region, the evolution of tourism and sustainable tourism, and the implications across various sectors. The research employed an empirical approach grounded in the critical examination of socio-ecological systems for tourism governance and sustainability. The data were obtained through in-depth interviews conducted in Wayanad and a review of the relevant literature. The results reveal that despite the prevalent and persuasive arguments favoring tourism, there are extensive multi-sectoral implications in tourism development that negatively affect both the environment and people at large. These impacts include the erosion of agrobiodiversity-linked traditional Adivasi lifestyles, the displacement of local communities, the encroachment of tourism projects into forests and increased human–animal conflicts, the absence of social security measures for marginalized communities, a decline in traditional livelihood options, and an overreliance on the tourism industry and the private sector. These discernible impacts have pushed the fragile region further into a socio-ecological imbalance. Tourism development in ecologically delicate areas should take into account socio-ecological impacts because a region's culture and nature are key components of its attractiveness as a tourist destination. Large-scale landscape planning should involve the perspectives of various stakeholders, including both direct and indirect participants who could be influenced by tourism. The marginalization of Adivasi communities that maintain the region's ecological integrity is unproductive for both the economic and regional development interests of tourism.

Status and Distribution of Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus) in Reserved Forests of Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India

The importance of assessing the status and distribution of Gaur becomes vital for conservation. The Indian gaur presence and distribution often goes unnoticed in the reserved forests outside the national parks and sanctuaries, these often lead to human animal conflict, hence the study was designed to find the status and distribution of Indian gaur in reserve forest in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu. The nocturnal survey and and line transect method was followed in the study, which resulted in overall Gaur abundance in Trichy district of 1.51 individual/km2 within the Reserved Forest Area in the southern ranges of Trichy that is Thuvarankuruchi and Manaparai. The Gaurs often stray into the human settlements in search of water and food which leads to conflicts between gaurs and humans. There is increasing trend of population of Indian gaur hence there is need of conservation measures in highly prone conflicts areas.

A qualitative study exploring the epistemology of suffering within a Malaysian Indigenous tribe.

Despite the universal nature of suffering, few studies have examined how Indigenous ethnic minorities in non-western regions understand and respond to adversity. This study explored the epistemology of suffering among the Temiar ethnic group of Peninsular Malaysia using participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts of 43 participants were coded through inductive thematic analysis and a consensual qualitative approach. Three-tier themes were defined and named after subsequent analysis of core ideas and domains in the data. Major adversities reported included a lack of basic needs, lack of land-rights and unjust treatment from authorities, destruction of the forest environment and livelihood, and lack of accessibility and facilities, which were attributed to authorities' negligence of responsibilities, increasing human-animal conflict, environmental threats and imposed lifestyle changes. Faced with adversity, the Temiar endeavoured to survive by working crops and gathering forest resources. They utilized resources from family, fellow villagers, external agencies and spiritual-religious traditions. Theoretical mapping of attribution styles into the Ecological Rationality Framework revealed predominantly external-focused and concrete-perceptual rationalities privileged by strong-ties societies. These findings pointed to the resilience of a strong-ties community while adapting to the systemic suffering and risk factors stemming from a rationality mismatch with modernization and globalization trends. To conclude, we advocate for culture-sensitive mental health and psychiatric practices, as well as sustainable development for the well-being of Indigenous communities locally and globally.

Philosophical-legal analysis of the typologies of human-animal conflict from the work of the Legal Assistance Office of the District Institute for Animal Protection and Welfare of Bogotá

El presente texto se desarrolla en dos partes. En primer lugar, se justifica la idea de que los animales no humanos puedan ser susceptibles de asignación de derechos desde una perspectiva deontológica. En segundo lugar, se describen las principales tipologías de conflictividad en la relación humano-animal en Bogotá, junto con las herramientas jurídicas para afrontar estos conflictos y las acciones complementarias de acción integral como resultado del trabajo de recolección de datos del Centro de Atención Jurídica del Instituto Distrital de Protección y Bienestar Animal de Bogotá. Este análisis se basa en un marco de derecho animal no antropocéntrico con bases filosóficas.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Reduce Human-Animal Conflict in India

The case focuses on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision (CV) technologies to solve a socially complex issue of human-animal conflict in the geographical regions surrounding the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra state in central India. Due to an increasing tiger population, the villages surrounding the TATR often encountered tigers that strayed outside the reserve, sometimes leading to injuries or fatalities either to the humans or the wild animals involved. Valiance, a technology company, collaborated with the Forest department and other local stakeholders to create a computer vision based AI virtual wall system as a pilot project. The technology solution monitored the location 24hrs a day 7 days a week and had the capability of identifying tigers, leopards, and other predators, and sending out automated, real time alerts to help prevent human-animal conflict situations. Based on the outcome of the pilot, the solution could be refined and then a wider rollout could be planned.

The Issue of Man and Animal Conflict: A Case of Jhargram District, West Bengal

Man-animal conflict is an ancient concept in which humans and wild animals share the same landscapes and resources for their survival. The study investigates the increasing frequency of conflict incidents between humans and animals in various locations within Jhargram District, a region known for its close proximity to both human settlements and wildlife, particularly elephants. Currently, human-animal conflict plays a significant role in altering the landscapes of the southern region of West Bengal in India, and it also has an impact on the rural economy in Jhargram District. Human population growth and expansion, deforestation, habitat degradation, land use change, and livestock grazing in forest and forest fringe areas are all considered major causes of human-animal conflicts. The study aims to pinpoint the underlying causes and repercussions of human-animal conflicts, as well as suggest management strategies to address the issue. The study reveals that people living in forest fringe areas and close to forest protected areas are often prone to attacks, particularly by elephants and other wild animals like hyenas, wild dogs, wild boars, etc.

Human-Animal Conflict Reasonable Solutions Based on National Condition in China

This paper analyzes the current situation of human-animal conflict in China, adopts the research methods of investigation and literature research, and finally obtains the results that are specific to individual cases. This paper analyzes the conflict between Elephas maximus and human beings in Xishuangbanna, and the disturbance brought by birds to residents' lives in Shanghai, and discusses the causes and status quo of these phenomena respectively. In the second half of this paper discuss the solutions to the conflict between Elephas maximus and humans in Xishuangbanna and the disturbance caused by birds in Shanghai. At the same time, this paper also discusses the idea of the causes of the current situation of human-animal conflict in China, and the prospect of future solutions to the human-animal conflict. Overall, the purpose of this paper is to provide some references for solving the problem of human-animal conflict and to raise public awareness of peaceful coexistence with wild animals.

An automated approach for human-animal conflict minimisation in Assam and protection of wildlife around the Kaziranga National Park using YOLO and SENet Attention Framework

Human-animal conflict in Assam, India's north-eastern state, is rising continuously. Because it occurs year-round, it damages agricultural productivity and kills people and animals, including elephants. When a herd of wild elephants emerges from a deep forest and enters human-inhabited territory around the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) in Assam, an alert must be sounded for the neighbourhood residents and forest workers to prevent conflicts. Another concern is that many wild animals die near the KNP while crossing the national highway NH-37 which traverses the area. During floods, animals flee to the highlands for food and shelter. An automated animal identification and warning system near the KNP may reduce human-animal confrontations. This paper reports the design of a system that attempts to address the above concerns. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based strategies are utilized to recognize wild animals from live video sequences, provide warnings to avoid encounters, and protect humans and animals. Deep learning models and YoloV5 with the SENet attention layer are used to recognize wild animals in real-time. This model is trained using a public and customized dataset of animal species. Cameras attached to the cloud-based AI system take photographs from several KNP locations to confirm the model. The model's 96% accuracy in animal photographs and videos taken day and night and in feed from contemporaneous location has shown its utility. The model also improves reliability by 1–13% over previous methods.

Camera Vision Based Animal Repellent System for Agriculture using Machine Learning

Abstract: The human-animal conflict of crop raiding has significantly increased due to human encroachment on wildlife habitats and deforestation. Wild animals, such as elephants, wild boar, and deer, pose a substantial threat to agricultural crops and farmers working in the fields, leading to significant crop losses. To address this concern, we present a comprehensive system that combines Computer Vision using Deep Convolution Neural Networks (DCNN) for precise species detection and recognition, along with the emission of species-specific ultrasound for repelling the wild animals. An edge computing device, equipped with a camera, is activated to execute the DCNN software, identifying potential threats.

Conservation, Animal Wellbeing, and Indigenous Participation at an Elephant Sanctuary in Mondulkiri, Cambodia

Abstract This article focuses on the intersection of indigenous peoples, conservation, and elephant wellbeing in Cambodia. While social justice advocates emphasize the human cost of conservation in human-animal conflicts, those concerned with animal protection and rights have problematized the treatment of elephants. This critique stems from evidence that the human relationship to elephants, captive and wild, remains largely utilitarian or exploitive. In Cambodia, there is a record of wild Asian elephants coexisting with local communities, but more so a long history of elephants used for labor. This article discusses the possible areas of reconciliation between human and Asian elephant interests at a Mondulkiri elephant sanctuary in Cambodia, suggesting potential paths toward win-win scenarios for the local and indigenous people, as well as for the elephants and their habitats.

Enhancing Crop Yield with Animal Detection in Agricultural Land using Convolutional Neural Network and Sound Based Scare Tactics

Agricultural sector faces a major loss that is caused by animal assaults and is one of the greatest threats in diminishing crop production. Pests, natural disasters, and animal damage pose severe risks to Indian farmers, lowering productivity. Crop raiding is one of the most acrimonious human-animal conflicts as a result of the extension of farmed land into former animal habitat. Traditional methods followed by farmers are not that effective and it is not feasible to hire huge manpower to keep an eye on crops and prevent animals from destroying them. Since safety of both human and animals is equally vital, it is important to protect the crop from damage caused by animal as well as divert the animal without any harm. The goal is to develop a model that can accurately detect animals in agricultural lands. The system will use deep learning to detect animals entering into the farm by using convolutional neural network concept. This system will monitor the entire farm at regular intervals through a camera which will be recording the surrounding throughout the day. With the help of a deep learning model, the system detect the entry of animals and also use sound based scare tactics to deter animals from the agricultural land

'Krishivanam' An Innovation to Prevent the Damages Caused by Fire and Wild Animals to The Agriculture Land

Agricultural fields near forest areas often become the center of human-animal conflict. Due to increased deforestation and destruction of wild-life habitat, animals venture out of forest areas in search of food. Other major consequence of deforestation is forest fire and poaching. As solution to the issues specified, technology can help to detect and warn potential human-animal interference near forest areas. On detection of fire near the agricultural land, pump is turned on automatically to put off the fire. On detection of movement through IR sensor, camera is turned on to identify the animal or human intruder using Objective induction algorithm. If an animal is detected, animal specific sound repellent is played to drive the animal away. If any human with weapons is identified, then an alarm is raised to alert neighbors of possible poacher and intruder. The farmer is alerted by means of an alert message.

Economic Consequence of Human - Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) Conflicts on Farming Livelihood in Rural Adamawa State, Nigeria

Human-animal conflict is posing a severe threat to wildlife conservation as well as the long-term viability of farming communities. This study assessed the economic consequence of human-hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) conflicts on rural livelihoods in Adamawa state, Nigeria. The study had the following specific goals; describe the direct effects of Human Hippopotamus Conflict (HHC) on livelihoods in the study area, and estimate the agricultural economic losses incurred in the area as a result of HHC. A mixed research method was used to collect primary data from 371 crop farmers. The study relied on descriptive statistics in the analysis of the data collected between February to May 2019. The study found that Groundnut, Cowpea, and maize were among the most severely damaged crops at their mid-stage of development based on land size. In terms of the monetary value of the damages, sweet potato is the most affected. The study concluded that farmers should work as a team and adopt measures like fencing, scare tactics, or deterrents that will minimize significant crop losses. Also, there is the need for local awareness on the importance of Hippopotamus conservation in the area.

Smart Agriculture Land Crop Protection Intrusion Detection Using Artificial Intelligence

Human-wildlife conflict is the term used to describe when human activity results in a negative outcome for people, their resources, wild animals, or their habitat. Human population growth encroaches on wildlife habitat, resulting in a decrease in resources. In particular habitats, there are numerous forms of human and domesticated animal death or injury as a result of conflict. Farmers and the animals that invade farmland suffer greatly as a result. Our project’s primary objective is to lessen human-animal conflict and loss. The embedded system and image processing technique are utilized in the project. Python is used to perform image processing techniques like segmentation, statistical and feature extraction using expectation maximization, and classification using CNN. The classification is used to determine whether the land is empty or if animals are present. A buzzer sound is produced, a light electric current is passed to the fence, and a message alerting the farmer to the animal’s entry into the farmland is transmitted. This prevents the animal from entering the field and enables the landowner to take the necessary steps to get the animal back to the forest. The result is serially sent to the controller broad from the control board.

First Ministry-Academia Collaborative Report on Causes and Remedies of Human-Animal Conflict at Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India

Sustainable coexistence of different components of an ecosystem is a fundamental requirement for the overall welfare of the human population worldwide. Despite this fact, continued growth in human population, increasing demand for various available natural resources, and invasion of all inhabitable habitats have led to the destruction of the coexistence of wildlife and human and also caused the fragmentation of natural habitat for the wildlife in India. This in turn may viciously affect the rural population residing in the nearby area of such regions, for example, the area covered for sanctuaries, which are established in consideration to provide protection to the indigenous wildlife. Hence, it becomes essential to mitigate such conflicts to create a healthy environment for cosurvival of all stakeholders. Here, in this study, we have tried to figure out the possible reasons and provide certain cures to avoid the recurring human-wildlife conflicts in one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries, Hastinapur wildlife sanctuary, situated in Uttar Pradesh, India.

‘Crop Raiding’: Farmers’ Perspectives in Shiwalik Hills of North-Western Himalayas, India

A study was conducted to ascertain the causes and possible strategies to mitigate the problems of human–animal conflicts in the foothills of the Shiwaliks of the North-Western Himalayas, known as the Kandi region in the Punjab state of India. The main causes of ‘crop raiding’ were a reduction in grazing areas due to the impacts of deforestation, and reduced numbers of predatory carnivores, lantana infestation in the forests and the overexploitation of the forests for wild fruits. It was observed that neelgai and wild boars are the dominant species in the areas adjoining forests, while and stray cattle are dominant in areas outside forests. Traditional methods being adopted by the farmers for curbing these problems were not effective against most of these species. Classifying some animals as vermin, sterilizing monkeys, payment of compensation to affected farmers, strict implementation of wildlife laws and lantana eradication were suggested as the possible strategies for minimizing losses due to crop raiding.

Observation and Classification of Fauna for Forest Survey

Abstract: Human-animal conflict has become a serious issue in agriculture and forestry, threatening human lives and squandering resources. As human risks to the natural environment increase, so does the necessity to track the evolution of diverse invertebrates. Conservation initiatives should be well-directed, yet the labour required to obtain information is frequently time-constrained. Estimates of the number of mammals give vital insights into conservation measures, but only a few systematic human studies and yearly census efforts have contributed in any way to this endeavour. Even despite these efforts, established techniques of measuring numbers vary greatly and are frequently overlooked in efforts to authenticate the data produced. To address this issue, wildlife monitoring can provide researchers with as much information as wildlife species, quantity, habits, quality of life, and habitat conditions, assisting researchers in understanding the nature and potential of wildlife resources, and providing the foundation for effective protection, sustainable use, and scientific management of wildlife resources. We demonstrate how this tool works in a number of contexts, including animal behaviour, population monitoring, and animal interaction.