Human-animal Conflict Research Articles

Impact of Plantation Induced Forest Degradation on the Outbreak of Emerging Infectious Diseases-Wayanad District, Kerala, India.

Simple SummaryThe emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) have increased recently due to forest degradation. This research is an attempt to understand the direct and indirect impact of forest degradation on infectious disease outbreaks in a specific context of the Wayanad district in Kerala, India. The study was done in two parts. In the first part, land use and land cover change of the Wayanad district was analyzed for the period of 1950 to 2018. The result of the analysis shows that a significant amount of forest has been converted into agricultural and forest plantations over the time. The second part involves understanding the impact of plantations on the outbreak of EIDs. We have employed GIS tools, remote sensing data, extensive field work and disease data to discover the relationship between the LULCC and disease outbreak. It was found that cases of EIDs were high in those gram panchayats where forests were encroached by plantations.The world has been facing a pandemic owing to COVID-19. We have also seen the geographic expansion and outbreaks of other emerging infectious diseases (EID) in recent years. This paper investigates the direct and indirect effects of land use land cover change (LULCC) on EID outbreaks in the context of Wayanad District of Kerala, India. Wayanad is in the vulnerable tropical forested region, and it is named as one of the four environmental change hotspots. The focus of this project is mainly three EIDs prevalent in this region: Kyasanur forest disease (KFD), Dengue and Leptospirosis. Our results, based on topographical map, remote sensing and extensive field work, show that the natural forest in Wayanad was replaced with agriculture and forest plantation during 1950–2018. This paper further suggests that encroachment of forest by forest plantation causes the human–animal conflict resulting in the outbreak of KFD cases. Our analysis reveals that a high number of Dengue cases is found in the forested regions of the district and over the adjacent human-made agriculture plantation areas. High and medium number of Leptospirosis cases contain a high portion of land area devoted to paddy cultivation and agricultural plantation. In summary, the results clearly show the linkage between the outbreak of above mentioned EIDs and LULCC in the context of Wayanad district, Kerala. We also discuss in detail the causal pathway involving human–environmental dynamics through which plantation leads to the outbreak of KFD. Replacing forests with plantations poses an alarming threat of disease outbreak in the community.

Evaluation of the distribution pattern on a Neotropical microcarnivora

The Pacific region, one of the most disturbed areas in México, is home to the pygmy spotted skunk (Spilogale pygmaea), a local endemic species and one of the smallest carnivores in the world. This small carnivore is currently listed as a species subjected to special protection in México and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The objective of this work was to model environmental suitability and estimate the potential distribution of S. pygmaea in México. Predictive models were created using climatic, anthropic, and topographic variables with the Maxent tool. Models were assessed through partial Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) performance by omission rate and AUC. Finally, land use within the predicted potential area (potential distribution) was analyzed using the 2015 land cover layer of México issued by CONABIO. According to the model, S. pygmaea has a potential distribution from southern Sinaloa to Chiapas, comprising Michoacán and Guerrero towards the Balsas River basin in relation to dry forests. The predicted area was 95,600 ± 0.02 km2, representing a restricted distribution in México. Many localities have low environmental suitability (<0.4) and ecosystem modification and fragmentation, mainly influenced by livestock density. Spilogale pygmaea may be considered rare due to the lack of sampling, which jeopardizes the conservation of this group given its fragmented habitat. Additionally, S. pygmaea is attracted to areas with human settlements, potentially leading to human-animal conflicts. Natural areas, along with information sharing on the presence and importance of the species in nearby communities, may be an effective strategy to benefit this small carnivore.

Morbidity and Mortality of Mississippi Kites (Ictinia mississippiensis) Presenting to the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana, USA.

A review of hospital admissions for Mississippi Kites (Ictinia mississippiensis) 2014-20 found that most admissions were due to trauma, including ballistic trauma. Overall, 118/ 282 (42%) survived, including releases and transfers. This baseline data may enable earlier detection of epidemics and of human-animal conflict escalation in other kite populations.

Human–animal conflicts: socio-philosophical aspects (on the example of the problem of Ophidism).

The subject of the study is the problem of venomous snake bites (ophidism), which is relevant for modern public health and accumulates a range of diverse social practices aimed at preventing or reducing the negative consequences of human contact with a non-human agent (a venomous snake). The problem of ophidism is considered as a special case of conflict between humans and animals, in which a typical scenario of such interactions is embodied, due to the increased anthropogenic impact on nature, which received a powerful impetus during the formation of the colonial system and reached its maximum expression in the XX - early XXI century in the context of the cumulative growth of mankind. The study uses a comprehensive methodology based on a comparative historical approach, comparative analysis of statistical information, socio-philosophical interpretation of the problem of ophidism, considered as a special case of conflict interaction between a person and non-human agents. The approach developed within the framework of Critical Animal Studies (CAS). The study shows the evolution of understanding of the problem of ophidism and its significance in the second half of the XX century - early XXI century, the formation of interdisciplinary optics, which made it possible to interpret a set of particular situations as a single phenomenon due to the specifics of human-nature interaction, taking into account socio-economic factors and as one of the challenges for global health. The conclusion is made about the change in the logic of constructing the agency of the non-human side of the conflict, affecting social activity aimed at preventing it, as well as the possible rejection of the understanding of ophidism as a holistic problem under the influence of other challenges to global health, primarily the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zona pellucida glycoproteins: Relevance in fertility and development of contraceptive vaccines.

Mammalian zona pellucida (ZP) is composed of three to four glycoproteins, which plays an important role during fertilization. Mutations in the genes encoding zona proteins are reported in women with empty follicle syndrome, degenerated oocytes and those with an abnormal or no ZP further emphasizing their relevance during fertility. Immunization with either native or recombinant ZP glycoproteins/proteins leads to curtailment of fertility in various animal species. Observed infertility is frequently associated with ovarian pathology characterized by follicular atresia and degenerative changes in ZP, which may be due to oophoritogenic T cell epitope(s) within ZP glycoproteins. To avoid ovarian dystrophy, B cell epitopes of ZP glycoproteins have been mapped by using bio-effective monoclonal antibodies. Immunization with the immunogens encompassing the mapped B cell epitopes by and large led to amelioration of follicular atresia. However, their use for human application will require more rigorous research to establish their safety and reversibility of the contraceptive effect. Nonetheless, to minimize human-animal conflicts, ZP-based contraceptive vaccines have been used successfully in the population management of free-ranging animal species such as feral horses, white-tailed deer and elephants. To control zoonotic diseases, attempts are also underway to control the population of other animal species including stray dogs, which acts as one of the major vectors for the rabies virus.

One Health Animal Disaster Management: An Ethics of Care Approach

ABSTRACT In this article, we consider the One Health framework for orienting guidance for animal disaster management through an ethics of care approach. While One Health was created at the beginning of the 21st century in response to the persistence of emerging infectious diseases and the view that the health of humans and other animals are contiguous, it can be a useful tool for promoting animal welfare and considering animals’ experiences during a disaster. However, implementing One Health strategies into animal disaster management is not without its challenges, since ethical judgments are implicit in all decisions and recommendations made about how to conceptualize a “disaster” and their impact on animals and their welfare. Our discussion is divided into three sections. First, we consider the significance of a One Health framework for animal disaster management. Here, we highlight how One Health strategies can be employed in disaster health and natural disaster. Next, we use an ethics of care approach to lay the contours for an interspecies account of relational solidarity, thus offering a vision for how One Health strategies can reimagine the ethical dilemmas involving human-animal conflicts during a disaster. Lastly, we consider the textured nature of our relationship with animals, the moral weight of common vulnerability and interdependency and illuminating insights from animal welfare science.

Ethics, zoonoses, and human-nonhuman conflict: Covid-19 and beyond

While the causes of human-animal conflict are numerous, many are intertwined with food production systems and the wildlife trade. The emergence and spread of Covid-19 exemplify this. Indeed, the wildlife population in South Asian countries has seen an increase in the risk of both human and nonhuman death in recent months, and as the economy slows, the search for food and extra income will intensify, negatively impacting wildlife. This paper aims to address some of the ethical issues concerning our treatment of nonhuman creatures and the environment in relation to the global food system and wildlife trade following the Covid-19 crisis.

ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN RAJAMPARA FOREST FRINGES, WESTERN GHATS, KERALA, INDIA

Conflicts between humans and wildlife, including between humans over wildlife, have happened since the birth of humanity. However, in many locations, these conflicts have worsened during recent decades as a result of human population growth and the concomitant rise of agricultural and industrial activity. To examine the nature, causes, and mitigations of human-animal conflict, the coexistence between human and wildlife evaluation was undertaken. A variety of methods, such as household surveys, focus groups, one-on-one interviewing, field observations, and secondary sources, were used to gather the data. The type and intensity of human-wildlife conflict were dramatically impacted humans, wild animals, and the environment through crop damage, habitat disruption and destruction, livestock predation, and killing of wildlife and human. 12 crop varieties were identified in this region and Manihot esculenta has the highest density constituting 33% of the total composition of crops. The crop most affected by the attack of wild animals is also Manihot esculenta, Sus scrofa is the wild animal that attacks this crop the most, followed by Macaca radiata and Hystrix indica.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW AND POLICY IN PROTECTING AND MANAGING THE KRUENG PEUSANGAN WATERSHED, ACEH PROVINCE, INDONESIA

The Krueng Peusangan watershed in the Aceh Province, Indonesia, has an important role in the daily life of residents in the surrounding areas. The watershed serves as a supply of clean water, shelter, food sources, and sources of income for hundreds of thousands of people. Forest encroachment activities, mining, plantations, and land conversion have interrupted the watershed balance. These various activities cause threats of loss of forest area, biodiversity extinction, water crisis, flooding, human-animal conflict, and also global warming and food crisis. Therefore, this article analyses the law and policies issued by the Central, Provincial, and Regency/City Governments related to the management of the Krueng Peusangan Watershed and to examine the legal framework needed for watershed protection and management. This type of research is normative legal research using the regulatory, conceptual, and case approaches. The results revealed that the existing legal framework has not fully protected watershed rescue. The policies issued are still partial and have not been integrated on a regional or sectoral basis. This paper suggests that the Government of Aceh and Regency/City Governments to revise several Qanun, i.e., the Mid-Term Development Plan Qanun, the Watershed Management Qanun, Strategic Environmental Assessment Qanun, Qanun of Environmental Protection and Management Plan, and laws and regulations in the environmental, forestry, plantation and mining sectors.

HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN MUMBAI WITH ESPECIAL REFERENCE TO MULUND

Across the world, incidences of conflicts between human beings and wildlife have been reported to have escalated significantly in recent times. The exponential growth of the human population and their consequently growing needs have resulted in mounting up of pressure on our natural resource base causing such scenarios of conflict. Instances of human-wildlife conflicts are common across various parts of India. The city of Mumbai has been witnessing its own share of human-wildlife conflicts, which have escalated tremendously in recent times. Therefore, in this study, the human-animal conflict in Mumbai is explored with an emphasis on the suburban locality of Mulund. The study in general explores the changing nature of human-wildlife interactions in Mumbai with special reference to the rise of the human- wildlife conflict in the western part of Mulund. Based on these, the study also reflects on plausible measures that can enable resolving the scenario of conflict. The methodology of the study is based on the use of secondary data published in various sources such as journals, governmental reports, news reports, etc. The results of the study expose the inherent problems of the growing urban population and indiscriminate urban expansion as the cause of the conflict.

For the sustainability of the forests, the tigers and the tribals: Royal Bank of Scotland in the Kanha-Pench corridor, India

Theoretical basis Poverty, business strategy and sustainable development. International development planning and poverty alleviation strategies have moved beyond centralised, top-down approaches and now emphasise decentralised, community-based approaches that incorporate actors from the community, government, non-governmental agencies and business. Collective action by Bottom of the Pyramid residents gives them greater control in self-managing environmental commons and addressing the problems of environmental degradation. Co-creation and engaging in deep dialogue with stakeholders offer significant potential for launching new businesses and generating mutual value. The case study rests on the tenets of corporate social responsibility. It serves as an example of corporate best practices towards ensuring environmental sustainability and community engagement for providing livelihood support and well-being. It illustrates the tool kit for building community-based adaptive capacities against climate change. Research methodology The field-based case study was prepared from inputs received from detailed interviews of company functionaries. Company documents were shared by the company and used with their permission. Secondary data was accessed from newspapers, journal articles available online and information from the company website. Case overview/synopsis The case study is about the coming together of several vital agencies working in forest and wildlife conservation, climate change adaptation planning for ecosystems and communities, social upliftment and corporate social responsibility in the Kanha Pench landscape of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The case traces several challenges. First, the landscape is degrading rapidly; it requires urgent intervention to revive it. Second, the human inhabitants are strained with debilitating poverty. Third, the long-term sustainability of the species of tigers living in the protected tiger reserves of Kanha and Pench needs attention as human-animal conflicts rise. Complexity academic level The case would help undergraduate and postgraduate students studying sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Human Animal Conflict in State of Maharashtra using Data Analytics

Maharashtra, a land rich in its biodiversity, well known for its wildlife. Maharashtra stands 3rd in terms of Human-Animal Conflict behind Uttarakhand and Karnataka. Human–Animal conflict refers to the interaction between wildlife and people leading to a resultant negative impact on people, their resources, wild animals and their habitat. The paper discusses a 2year study(1st Jan-2019 to 1st Jan 2021) carried out on human-animal interactions in Maharashtra -focusing on various factors involved under Human-animal conflict, and its current situations in the state. The Paper further focuses on use of advanced computer technologies, and techniques like Data Analytics & Statistical Analysis to study the actual current situation of Human-Animal Conflict in Maharashtra.

Voices of NGOs Supporting the First Master’s Degree Program in Ethology and Human-Animal Interactions in Romania: An Exploratory Qualitative Analysis

Simple SummaryThe objective of this exploratory study was to investigate through a qualitative thematic analysis the reflections of six animal protection and wildlife conservation non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Romania regarding the development of the first specialized master’s degree program in ethology and human-animal interaction in the country. The two research questions addressed in the study were (1) What are the needs of the participating NGOs that could be addressed by the first professional master’s program in ethology and human-animal interactions in Romania? (2) What are the expectations regarding the roles of the graduates of the program on the collaboration with the NGOs in addressing common problems in the area of human-animal interactions in Romania? The qualitative content analysis of the written reflections allowed the identification of two themes, which provided us valuable insights regarding the curriculum offerings and the pedagogical strategies that could respond to the expressed expectations. The first theme refers to the concerns expressed by the representatives of the NGOs over the animal welfare and human-animal interactions in Romania, which included seven categories of codes: concerns over stray animals, lack of education of general population on animal welfare and interactions with animals, maltreatment of animals, human-animal conflicts, lack of professional specializations in ethology and human-animal interactions, concerns over common global issues, and concerns over national nature conservation. The second identified theme refers to the expectations regarding the roles of the graduates of the master’s degree program, and it includes the following four categories: agents for change towards a responsible community, problem solvers, public policy-makers, and providers of competence-based expertise. This study aims to explore through a qualitative thematic analysis the reflections of six animal protection and wildlife conservation NGOs in Romania regarding the development of the first specialized master’s degree program in ethology and human-animal interaction (EHAI), in relation to the identified needs based on their experience in the field, as well as their expectations in terms of collaboration with the graduates of such a program in addressing the common problems in the areas of animal welfare and human-animal interactions (HAIs). The qualitative content analysis of the written reflections allowed the identification of two themes, which provided valuable insights regarding the curriculum offerings and the pedagogical strategies that could respond to the expressed needs and expectations. The first theme included seven categories of concerns expressed by the NGOs over the animal welfare and HAIs in Romania, i.e., concerns over stray animals, lack of education of general population on HAI and animal welfare, maltreatment of animals, human-animal conflicts, lack of professional specializations in HAI, concerns over common global issues, and concerns over national nature conservation. The second theme refers to the expectations regarding the roles of the graduates of the EHAI master’s program, and it includes four categories of codes: agents for change towards a responsible community, problem solvers, public policy-makers, and providers of competence-based expertise. The inclusion of Service-Learning as signature pedagogy in the EHAI program, in connection with the One Welfare approach, is discussed in relation to the needs expressed by the representatives of the NGOs.

Sexual cycle of cats and non-invasive diagnostic methods

Mostly all feral cats are listed in the IUCN International Red Book. This fact is caused by the negative impact of civilization on the ecosystem, including fauna. This trend applies equally to feral cats from the family Felidae (tigers, jaguars, leopards, snow leopards) and the family Felinae (caracal, serval, ocelot, etc.). The low population size of domestic species, namely lynx and forest cat in Ukraine, is alarming. The use of innovative biotechnological techniques in reproduction can have a positive effect on the conservation of endangered carnivorous species. These auxiliary methods are aimed at improving the technique of obtaining and cryopreservation of sperm, oocytes, in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, embryo transplantation, as well as synchronization and regulation of the sexual cycle. This last element is key in ex situ conservation programs in zoos. Under physiological course, feline reproductive cycle is unique, as the physiology of the body as a whole. The wild cat family is the pinnacle of predator evolution. Today there are 39 species of this family in the world, including the domestic cat. Most feral cats are endangered. The main reasons for the decline in wild cat populations in the wild are habitat loss, fragmentation, human-animal conflict, and for some species, poaching for fur and medicine. Therefore, many scientists in the world face the issue of increasing reproductive capacity, improving methods of monitoring reproductive function and endocrine status, as different species of cats have significant differences in the sexual cycle. The main purpose of the work is to improve the reproductive properties in the reproduction of wild cats using non-invasive diagnostic methods. Reproduction is a key success factor, so understanding the basics of the reproduction function will help develop strategies to conserve and influence populations of different feline species.

Animal Capabilities and Freedom in the City

ABSTRACT Animals who live in cities must coexist with us. They are, as a result, entitled to the conditions of their flourishing. This article argues that, as the boundaries of cities and urban areas expand, the boundaries of our conception of captivity should expand too. Urbanisation can undermine animals’ freedoms, hence their ability to live good lives. I draw the implications of an account of ‘pervasive captivity’ against the background of the Capabilities Approach. I construe captivity, including that of urban animals, as affecting a range of animal capabilities, understood as freedoms, and I address some tensions within Nussbaum’s treatment of human-animal conflicts. Using the Capabilities Approach as a guide, I will attempt to motivate a convergence between habitat preservation in urbanised environments, urban design guided by justice, and the individual freedoms of animals.

Increased human-animal interface & emerging zoonotic diseases: An enigma requiring multi-sectoral efforts to address.

Increased human–animal interfaces impose threats on human life by creating scope for the emergence and resurgence of many infectious diseases. Over the last two decades, emergence of novel viral diseases such as SARS, influenza A/H1N1(09) pdm; MERS; Nipah virus disease; Ebola haemorrhagic fever and the current COVID-19 has resulted in massive outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics thereby causing profound losses of human life, health and economy. The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 200 countries, reporting a global case load of 167,878,000 with 2 per cent mortality as on May 26, 2021. This has highlighted the importance of reducing human– animal interfaces to prevent such zoonoses. Rapid deforestation, shrinking of boundaries between human and animal, crisis for natural habitation, increasing demands for wildlife products and threat of extinction compounded by biodiversity narrowing compel to increased human–animal conflict and contact. Large quantities of animal waste generated due to animal agriculture may also allow rapid selection, amplification, dissemination of zoonotic pathogens and facilitate zoonotic pathogen adaptation and hinder host evolution for resistance. Public health system faces challenges to contain such epidemics due to inadequate understanding, poor preparedness, lack of interdisciplinary approach in surveillance and control strategy and deficient political commitments. Because the management measures are beyond the purview of health system alone, policy-level adaptation in the transdisciplinary issues are required, emphasizing the engagement of multiple stakeholders towards wildlife protection, alternative land use, community empowerment for natural resource management and regulation on business of wildlife products to ensure comprehensive one health practice.

Human attitudes as threats in amphibians: the case of the Ornate Horned Frog (Ceratophrys ornata)

ABSTRACT We analyzed the characteristics of the human-animal conflict coming from the attitudes that local communities have toward Ceratophrys ornata, focusing on two threats: aversion and pet trade. Surveys conducted in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay (n = 194) showed a strong aversion to this species (45% of respondents), causing the death of at least 364 individuals. This aversion was strongly linked to symbolism and folklore beliefs, and also influenced by gender and education level. Pet trade interviews (n = 30) showed that 77% of the specimens kept in captivity were wild-caught (≈178 individuals). The killing of specimens based on aversion might have impacts at local level, especially in populations occurring in recent urbanized areas. Our results also revealed that capture of specimens for pet trade is an ongoing process. Due to the context of illegality in which trade occurs, it is highly challenging to determine/predict the extent of impacts.

The Lisu people's traditional natural philosophy and its potential impact on conservation planning in the Laojun Mountain region, Yunnan Province, China.

In this study, we explored a conservation process from an ethnoprimatological perspective for the management of national parks and nature reserves. We accumulated attitude and knowledge data on the traditional culture, religion, and current attitudes to conservation of rural and urban groups of ethnic Lisu people, who live in the village of Liju or have migrated to urban areas, respectively. The data clearly indicated that most of the interviewees had similar feelings and attitudes toward the conservation of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) and Laojun Mountain National Park (LMNP), irrespective of whether they live in or have moved away from their home village, or if their educational background differs. Both the rural (96.6%) and urban (100%) interviewees expressed their deep affection for Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys and supported (90.3% and 89.0%, respectively) the seasonal closure of mountainous areas for conservation purposes. The Lisu peoples culture, history, and traditions were evaluated with regards to the developing trend for environmentalism, and their advanced attitudes toward environmental protection and resource utilization exceeded our expectations. The results of this study show huge potential for the optimal mitigation of human-animal conflict in the context of conservation planning not only for LMNP but also for other national parks and nature reserves.

Invariant Features-Based Fuzzy Inference System for Animal Detection and Recognition Using Thermal Images

Human–Animal Conflict (HAC) is one of the primary threats to the continued survival of animal species and it has also impacted the lives of humans drastically. In this paper, we propose an efficient animal detection and recognition system with invariant features and fuzzy logic using thermal images. The proposed system exploits various features like Zernike, shape, texture and skeleton path. Cumulatively, these features are invariant to rotation, scaling, translation, illumination, and partly posture. The proposed model is robust to several challenging image conditions like low contrast/illumination, haze/blur, occlusion, camouflage, background clutter, and poses variation. The model is tested on our thermal animal dataset that has 1862 images and 12 different animal species. Experimental results validate the significance of thermal images for animal-based applications. Besides, the proposed fuzzy system has achieved an average accuracy of 97% which is equivalent to the accuracy produced by domain experts in identifying the animals from our thermal dataset.

Blood Ivory: Using Genetic Analysis to Combat African Elephant Poaching Under International Criminal Law

As the threat to African elephants in the wild continues to rise due to poaching, human-animal conflict, and habitation loss, the need to find an effective solution to the supply and demand problems inherent in African elephant conservation becomes even more pressing. This paper proposes a potential curb to the supply-side of poaching: using DNA analysis on confiscated African elephant tusks to track ivory poachers and traffickers and hold them accountable under international law, specifically the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).