Rising Human-Wildlife Conflicts:32 Killed, 296 Injured in Last Three Years in JK

Rising Human-Wildlife Conflicts:32 Killed, 296 Injured in Last Three Years in JK

Asif Iqbal | December 22, 2023 | 11:01 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

Rising Human-Wildlife Conflicts:32 Killed, 296 Injured in Last Three Years in JK.image/KL

Rising Human-Wildlife Conflicts:32 Killed, 296 Injured in Last Three Years in JK

Kashmir is currently grappling with a surge in human-wildlife conflicts, a situation attributed by officials to the encroachment of wildlife habitats caused by expanding human settlements and agricultural activities.

The conflict is particularly pronounced in north Kashmir, where there has been a notable increase in confrontations involving black bears and leopards, posing threats to both residents and animals. Official data spanning from 2021 to December 2023 indicates that 32 people have lost their lives, and 296 have been injured in these human-animal conflicts.

Breaking down the figures, the year 2021-22 reported 10 fatalities and 75 injuries, while 2022-23 saw a rise to 13 deaths and 118 injuries. As of December 06, 2023, nine deaths and 136 injuries have been documented. Beyond the immediate toll of fatalities and injuries, the conflicts also result in property damage and pose ongoing risks to lives, according to officials.

Wildlife experts and officials attribute the escalation of these conflicts to changes in land use patterns, deforestation, and the shrinking natural habitat. These factors drive animals closer to human settlements in search of food.

Farooq Ahmed, a wildlife official stationed in north Kashmir, highlighted encroachments on wildlife habitats, deforestation, and agricultural expansion as key contributors to these conflicts. He emphasized the urgent need to strike a sustainable balance between human development and wildlife conservation to mitigate the associated risks.

Ahmed, responsible for the frontier Kupwara district, noted that bears and leopards are increasingly venturing into human settlements, causing damage to properties and posing threats to lives. He stressed the importance of acknowledging human interference as the primary driver of these conflicts.

The wildlife department, in collaboration with other departments, is actively working to minimize such conflicts, according to Ahmed. He reassured that the safety of both humans and animals is their top priority.

Wildlife expert Mohammad Ramzan Dar identified three main reasons for these conflicts: the rise in human population, communication issues, and poor management. Dar emphasized the need to understand animal behavior and avoid actions that may provoke them. He also pointed out that invasions and conflicts are not new, but the key issue lies in communication and a lack of effective management.

Dar, a former wildlife employee, expressed concern about the lack of serious commitment among department employees and called for enhanced vigilance among people living close to forests. He urged people not to take matters into their own hands but to promptly inform the wildlife department, assuring that immediate action will be taken in response to calls for assistance to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.