Wild animals stray into human habitat because humans have taken their natural habitat. Deforestation is to blame for wild animals migrating into human areas. They seek food and shelter, which leads them to settle in human-populated areas. Wildlife conservation is required to recognise the value of nature and other wildlife species. It is critical to protect endangered plant and animal species, as well as their natural habitat. The primary concern is to protect the habitats so that future generations of wildlife, as well as humans, can enjoy them. In this article we will discuss Government Measures taken to Prevent the Menace Of Wild Animal’s Entry to Human Habitats which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Human-Wildlife Conflict - Causes

• In modern times, rapid urbanisation and industrialization have resulted in the conversion of forest land to non-forest uses, reducing wildlife habitat.
• As the road and rail networks have expanded through forest ranges, animals have been killed or injured in accidents on roads or railway tracks.
• Population growth has also resulted in many human settlements near the edges of protected areas, as well as encroachment on forest lands by local people for cultivation and collection of food and fodder, among other things, putting pressure on the forests' limited natural resources.
• Stochastic events such as fire, are difficult to predict and control, and they also have an impact on human-wildlife conflict.
• Invasion by Alien Species - It occurs when a plant or animal species that is not native to an area spreads rapidly in that habitat, usually having a negative impact on the species that are already present.
  • This is primarily due to irresponsible human errors during imports and exports. Some invasions may also result in the endangerment or extinction of native species.

Impact of Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Human-wildlife conflict has the greatest direct impact on wildlife and the communities that live near it.
• While human-wildlife conflict can cause species decline and extinction, communities can suffer financial losses as well as threats to health and safety, livelihoods, food security, and property.
• The costs of living with wildlife are unequally distributed and disproportionately fall on communities that frequently face systemic barriers, have incomes well below the poverty line, and access to few economic opportunities, whereas the global community benefits from healthy wildlife populations and ecosystems that allow us to survive, provide food, and enable livelihoods.
• Human-wildlife conflict is thus a development and humanitarian issue as well as a conservation concern, affecting the income of farmers, herders, and artisanal fishers, particularly those earning less than the poverty line.
• In addition to direct losses to communities, human-wildlife conflict has an indirect impact on people all over the world by putting pressure on the global supply chain and agricultural production, resulting in food insecurity and decreased productivity among producers.

Initiatives to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict

• The Supreme Court (SC) recently affirmed elephants' right of passage and the closure of resorts in the Nilgiris elephant corridor. It held that it was the responsibility of the state to protect "keystone species" such as elephants.
• The Odisha government has begun scattering seed balls (or bombs) within various reserve forest areas to increase food stock for wild elephants.
• The Uttarakhand government used bio-fencing to reduce man-animal conflict, prevent wild animals from entering residential areas, and protect agricultural crops and livestock in areas adjacent to forests.
• In 2018, the Uttar Pradesh government gave its in-principle approval to include man-animal conflict in the State Disaster Response Fund as a listed disaster to ensure better coordination and relief during such incidents.
• A new conservation initiative in India's Western Ghats has used texting as an early warning system to prevent human-elephant encounters. Elephant tracking collars equipped with SMS chips automatically notify nearby residents of recent elephant movements.

Human-Wildlife Coexistence

• As our world becomes more crowded, human-wildlife conflict will always exist; however, effective, well-planned management and holistic and integrated approaches can reduce and minimise conflict in the long run.
• Such human-wildlife conflict management strategies have the potential to generate opportunities and benefits not only for biodiversity and impacted communities, but also for society, sustainable development, production, and the global economy as a whole.
• We would also require global cooperation, coordinated actions, and resources to address the issue on the necessary scale.
• To reduce human-wildlife conflict, we must reconsider the relationship—particularly the direct interactions—between people and wildlife in order to improve our future coexistence.
• We must adopt approaches that identify and address the root causes of conflict while developing systemic, context-specific solutions with affected communities as active and equal participants in the process.

Preventive Measures Taken by Government

• Financial assistance is provided to state governments through Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats,' 'Project Tiger,' and 'Project Elephant' for the improvement of forest and wildlife areas such as national parks and sanctuaries in order to increase food and water availability in forests, thereby reducing animal migration from forests to habitations.
• To prevent wild animal attacks, construction of barriers such as boundary walls and solar-powered electric fences around sensitive areas. These activities are also permissible under Central assistance.
• Development of necessary infrastructure and support facilities for the tranquilization of identified problematic animals and their relocation to natural habitats or rehabilitation in rescue centres.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 empowers the Chief Wildlife Wardens of the states/union territories to permit hunting of problematic animals.
• Programs are launched to sensitise people and raise awareness about the Do's and Don'ts in the event of a wild animal scare or attack.
• Eco-development activities are carried out in villages surrounding Protected Areas to elicit community cooperation in Protected Area management, which includes actions to address people's grievances about human-wildlife conflicts.

Important Wildlife Protection Projects of Indian Government

Project Tiger

• One of the most successful wildlife conservation initiatives, 'Project Tiger,' which began in 1972, has contributed not only to the conservation of tigers but also to the conservation of the entire ecosystem.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change is supporting this project.
• This project conducts assessments of the number of tigers, their habitat, and hunting habits under the supervision of the Tiger Task Force.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Project Tiger

Project Elephant

• The Government of India launched Project Elephant in 1992 with the goal of conserving elephants, their habitat, and migratory routes through scientific and planned management measures.
• The project considers the welfare of domestic elephants, as well as issues such as human-elephant conflict mitigation.
• The project's goal is to strengthen elephant protection measures against poachers and unnatural death.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Project Elephant

Crocodile Conservation Project

• This project is yet another successful effort by the Government of India to save Indian Crocodiles, a species that was once on the verge of extinction.
• The project also helps with conservation in a variety of other areas.
• The crocodile project's main goals are to protect the remaining crocodile population and their natural habitat by establishing sanctuaries; to promote captive breeding; to improve management; and to involve the local people in the project on a personal level.
• It is worth noting that the Crocodile Conservation Project could restock 4000 gharial/aligator, 1800 mugger/crocodile, and 1500 saltwater crocodiles.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Indian Crocodile Conservation Project

Sea Turtle Project

• The UNDP Sea Turtle Project, with Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun as the Implementing Agency, was launched in November 1999 with the goal of conserving Olive Ridley Turtles.
• The project is for ten coastal states in India, particularly Odisha, where it has contributed to the creation of a map of sea turtle breeding sites, the identification of breeding places and habitats along the coast line, and the migratory routes of sea turtles.
• The project also aided in the development of guidelines to reduce turtle mortality and promote tourism in sea turtle habitats.
• Among the project's major accomplishments is the demonstration of the use of Satellite Telemetry to locate the migratory route of sea turtles in the sea.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Sea Turtle Project

Aside from these projects, the GOI has also been in charge of Vulture Conservation and India Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020.

Steps Taken by Indian Government to Protect Biodiversity

• The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 established Protected Areas for wildlife, such as National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves, and imposed penalties on those who engaged in illegal hunting.
• To protect wetlands in India, the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 have been introduced.
• The Central Government has also launched the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems, which assists states in managing all wetlands.
• Wildlife Crime Control Bureau was established to combat illegal wildlife trade and the trade of endangered species.
• Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History Society, and Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History are among the organisations formed to conduct research on wildlife conservation.
• To combat the dwindling population of Gyps vultures in India, the government has prohibited the veterinary use of diclofenac.
• The Central Government first initiated the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat Scheme and later modified it by including a new component, Recovery of Endangered Species, which included animals such as:
  • Hangul/stag deer in Jammu and Kashmir,
  • Vultures in Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat,
  • Snow Leopard in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh,
  • Swiftlet in Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
  • Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Nadu.
• Financial and technical assistance is also provided to the state government in order to improve the protection and conservation of the specified species.
• The state governments have been asked to beef up field formations and increase patrolling in and around the Protected Areas.
• The GOI increased anti-poaching efforts and implemented a special patrolling strategy for the monsoon season.
• The Government of India established the National Tiger Conservation Authority to improve tiger conservation.
• A Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) has also been formed and is operating in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
• E-surveillance has begun in Kaziranga National Park in Assam and the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

Environment and Biodiversity Acts Passed by Indian Government

• Fisheries Act, 1897
• Indian Forests Act of 1927
• Mining and Mineral Development Regulation Act of 1957
• Animal Cruelty Act of 1960 Wildlife Protection Act of 1972
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974
• The Forest Conservation Act of 1980
• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981
• The Environment Protection Act of 1986
• The Biological Diversity Act of 2002
• The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Rights) Act of 2006

Conclusion

There are a few international schemes and projects that India has signed with its neighbours, Nepal and Bangladesh, concerning illegal wildlife species trade and tiger and leopard conservation. The Government of India has taken numerous other legal, administrative, and financial steps to ensure effective wildlife conservation in the country. It appears that the success of some of its projects and schemes involving Indian rhinos, tigers, and poaching has given it enormous confidence to continue working toward a prosperous and intact wildlife.

FAQs

Question: What are the government measures to prevent the menace of wild animals entering human habitats?

Question: Why is it important to manage human-wildlife conflict?

Question: What are wildlife corridors, and how do they help in preventing conflicts?

Question: How does the use of technology help in preventing wild animals from entering human habitats?

Question: What role do local communities play in preventing human-wildlife conflict?

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a measure taken by the government to prevent wild animals from entering human habitats?

a) Using electric fences and trenches

b) Relocating human settlements

c) Banning all agricultural activities

d) Expanding urban areas into forests

2. What is the purpose of wildlife corridors?

a) To promote illegal hunting

b) To provide safe passage for animals between habitats

c) To prevent the growth of forests

d) To allow increased human settlement in wildlife areas

3. How does GPS technology help in managing wildlife movement?

a) By tracking the location of wild animals in real-time

b) By increasing the number of human settlements in forests

c) By preventing animals from migrating

d) By controlling animal populations

4. What is a major consequence of unmanaged human-wildlife conflict?

a) Increase in animal population

b) Reduction in human agricultural activities

c) Harm to both human populations and wildlife

d) Increase in forest areas

5. Which of the following is a role that local communities can play in preventing human-wildlife conflict?

a) Expanding human settlements into forest areas

b) Ignoring government wildlife guidelines

c) Participating in awareness and conservation programs

d) Encouraging hunting of wild animals

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the importance of government measures to manage human-wildlife conflict and ensure safety.

Answer: Managing human-wildlife conflict is essential for ensuring the safety of both humans and animals. The government plays a key role by implementing measures like building fences, creating wildlife corridors, using technology to track animal movements, and relocating problem animals. These measures help reduce property damage, prevent injury or fatalities, and protect wildlife from harm. Wildlife corridors, for instance, provide safe pathways for animals, minimizing their need to enter human settlements. Technological tools, such as GPS collars, help predict and monitor animal movements, allowing for timely interventions. Furthermore, the government supports local communities by promoting awareness about wildlife behavior and encouraging responsible practices to prevent conflicts. These measures collectively help in balancing the needs of human populations with the conservation of wildlife, fostering a sustainable coexistence between humans and nature.

Q2: Analyze the role of wildlife corridors in preventing human-wildlife conflict and promoting conservation.

Answer: Wildlife corridors play a crucial role in preventing human-wildlife conflict by ensuring that animals have safe passageways between different habitats. By reducing the need for wild animals to move through human settlements, these corridors minimize the chances of encounters that could lead to damage or danger for both animals and humans. The corridors also contribute to wildlife conservation by promoting genetic diversity, as they allow animals to migrate and interact with other populations, reducing isolation. Additionally, wildlife corridors help maintain ecological balance by facilitating natural behaviors like migration, which is essential for species survival. They are integral in reducing habitat fragmentation, a major threat to biodiversity, and ensuring that animals can find adequate resources for survival. Overall, wildlife corridors are a critical component of strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and promote long-term conservation efforts.

Q3: Evaluate the role of technology in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and improving wildlife conservation efforts.

Answer: Technology plays an increasingly important role in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and enhancing wildlife conservation efforts. Tools such as GPS tracking collars and satellite imaging allow wildlife authorities to monitor animal movements in real time, enabling them to predict potential conflicts and take proactive measures. Early warning systems, powered by technology, can alert local authorities and communities when animals are approaching human settlements, reducing the risk of encounters. Additionally, technology facilitates data collection on wildlife populations, behavior patterns, and habitat use, which aids in better decision-making for conservation strategies. It also helps in identifying critical wildlife corridors and planning protected areas more effectively. The use of drones for surveillance and camera traps for monitoring animal activities further enhances the ability to track and protect endangered species. Technology thus not only helps in reducing conflicts but also contributes to more efficient and data-driven conservation efforts.

Previous Year Questions on  Prevention of Man Animal Conflicts

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Assess the impact of government measures to prevent human-wildlife conflicts on the preservation of wildlife in India.

Answer: Government measures to prevent human-wildlife conflicts in India have had a significant positive impact on wildlife preservation. By implementing measures like the creation of wildlife corridors, the construction of fences around forest boundaries, and the use of GPS tracking, the government has managed to reduce instances of wildlife encroachment into human habitats. This has helped decrease conflicts, such as crop damage, injuries to humans, and retaliatory killings of animals. Wildlife corridors, in particular, have allowed animals to move freely between protected areas, preserving their natural behaviors and ecosystems. These measures have also provided a better understanding of wildlife movements, allowing for more effective planning of conservation areas. Consequently, these efforts have supported the long-term conservation of wildlife species and ecosystems in India, promoting a balanced coexistence between humans and animals.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: Discuss the technological tools used by the government to monitor and prevent human-wildlife conflicts.

Answer: The government employs several technological tools to monitor and prevent human-wildlife conflicts. GPS tracking collars are one of the most effective tools, allowing wildlife authorities to track the movement of animals in real-time, which helps in predicting potential conflicts with human settlements. Camera traps are used for monitoring animal behavior and detecting wildlife activities in remote areas. Early warning systems based on technology alert local authorities and communities when animals are approaching populated areas, enabling timely interventions. Additionally, drones are used for surveillance in forests and wildlife reserves, providing real-time data for better decision-making. These technologies have enhanced the ability to prevent conflicts, improve wildlife management practices, and support conservation efforts by providing valuable insights into animal movement and behavior.