Critical examination of increase in instances of the number of carnivores attacking humans and domestic animals in and around some of India’s forest regions.

Man-animal conflict is on the rise throughout India. Increasing intensity of carnivores attacking domesticated cattle has drawn attention to the increasingly dominant role played by anthropogenic factors in modifying the natural landscape. Instances of carnivore’s attacks are on the rise due to:

• Demarcation problem- In India clear demarcation of forests and wildlife sanctuaries is absent. There is little or no fencing. This leads to unchecked cattle grazing and interference by human settlements into restricted forest areas giving rise to man-animal conflicts. There is high prevalence of illegal cattle grazing inside national parks and wildlife reserves, which makes them prone to attack by wild animals.

•  Habitat depletion- With depleting habitat and forest cover, carnivore are often forced to look for food and water in outer regions. In National Parks like Bandipur and Nagarhole, the intense competition for prey and territory coupled with increase in population density of carnivores has led to the ejection of weak and old animals from the core areas into outer areas with lesser prey. These old and weak carnivores the stray into human landscape in search of prey. They begin to stalk and prey on domestic cattle grazing inside the forests which become easy kill for such ejected animals.
• Absense of stringent laws- Collection of forest produce like tendu leaves, mahua, firewood etc is still prevalent in many forest areas. Due to lack of enforcement of restrictive laws by forest officials, villagers are able to  go deep into forest areas for collection of produce which leads to increased encounters with wild animals.
• Unsatisfactory resettlement plans- Little attention is given by government to the people living in such areas. Many communities of grazers rely on a steady supply of grass for their cattle and are forced to take such risks in absence of pastures, leading to frequent attacks

To prevent such attacks, state administration and forest officials have to work hand in hand to adopt certain remedial measures. Rapid deforestation must be stopped. Environment clearances to industrial projects must be given keeping in mind the extent of damage it will cause to the natural habitat of wild animals. Stringent laws should be there to ensure that the buffer zone between forest area and human settlement is respected. The government must show initiative in providing better opportunities and resettlement packages to these marginalized communities.