Damage-control focus of draft policy aimed to mitigate human-animal conflict
Among the suggestions, the proposal for a birth-control programme to control the population of bonnet macaques in populated areas assumes significance. The suggestion comes against the backdrop of the rise in numbers of wild boar, bonnet macaque, peacock, fox/jackal, giant squirrel, sambar deer, bat, and snakes in human habitations without rural-urban divide.
On the other hand, the policy document makes it clear that there has been no significant increase in the number of other wild animals in Kerala forests, contrary to public notion. There are some regional variations, some areas may witness more frequent incursions from wild animals due to various reasons.
The document also says there has been a substantial reduction in the number of deaths due to man-animal conflict in the State.
If around 113 people were killed in wildlife conflicts in the 2011-12 period, it peaked at 146 in 2018-19 and has been witnessing a significant reduction since. In 2024-25, the number of deaths came down to 67, which was 20 by this August.
Snakebite cases accounted for 594 deaths of the 884 casualtiesdue to human-animal conflict recorded from 2016-17 to 2024-25, says the document.
The draft policy also suggests converting all solar fences built across the State to smart fences. The second phase of Mission SARPA (Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App) will be implemented to eliminate snakebite deaths by strengthening the production and distribution of anti-venom and creating awareness among people.
Enough food and water will be ensured for animals inside the forests by constructing more check-dams and ponds.
The document also envisages reviving forestland by replacing exotic invasive plants with local plants and fruit trees. It also suggests setting fire in a controlled manner to ensure healthy grasslands, as these natural environments play an important role in providing food and protection to herbivores.
The policy also stresses the need to mobilise resources to reduce human-wildlife conflicts by amending laws, including the Wildlife Protection Act.
The public can express their opinion on the draft document published on the department website until August 27.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- The Hindu
Call to make use of services of 14 SARPA educators in Ernakulam
Educational institutions, including anganwadis, can avail themselves of the services of educators of SARPA (Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App), a digital platform of the Forest department for matters related to snakes and snake bites, to keep the institutions safe, according to rescuers. Recently, two SARPA educators visited an anganwadi in Kakkanad following media reports of a child being bitten by a viper. However, when they showed anganwadi workers the pictures of snakes, it emerged that it was not a viper but a non-venomous Russell's Wolf Snake. 'Later, on the request of the ICDS [Integrated Child Development Services] authorities, we conducted an awareness class for all anganwadi workers in the Edappally block. We covered aspects such as how to avoid attracting snakes, how to deal with snakes, and what to do in the event of a snake bite, despite all precautions. We taught them how to educate anganwadi children not to approach snakes out of curiosity while not creating a phobia against snakes,' said Sreenivas P. Kamath, district facilitator of SARPA, Ernakulam. SARPA has 14 educators in the district who will be deployed to conduct awareness classes on demand. SARPA educators conduct a safety audit at educational institutions before classes begin in the new academic year. Such an audit was done in over 40 schools in the district this year. 'We approach the school authorities and parent-teacher associations, volunteering to carry out safety audits in schools, citing the possibility of snakes taking refuge in classrooms during the summer recess for two months. We do a combing of classrooms and suggest steps to address conditions congenial for snakes to take harbour,' said Mr. Kamath. SARPA volunteers could be alerted on sighting snakes, which they would rescue. 'However, we recommend that non-venomous snakes not be rescued since their presence would be helpful to keep away the venomous ones, considering the territorial habits of snakes. For instance, they consume snakelets of venomous snakes sneaking into their territories, Mr. Kamath said.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Damage-control focus of draft policy aimed to mitigate human-animal conflict
The draft policy published by the Forest department to mitigate man-animal conflicts envisions a slew of measures to bring down the loss of lives, property and agriculture significantly. Among the suggestions, the proposal for a birth-control programme to control the population of bonnet macaques in populated areas assumes significance. The suggestion comes against the backdrop of the rise in numbers of wild boar, bonnet macaque, peacock, fox/jackal, giant squirrel, sambar deer, bat, and snakes in human habitations without rural-urban divide. On the other hand, the policy document makes it clear that there has been no significant increase in the number of other wild animals in Kerala forests, contrary to public notion. There are some regional variations, some areas may witness more frequent incursions from wild animals due to various reasons. The document also says there has been a substantial reduction in the number of deaths due to man-animal conflict in the State. If around 113 people were killed in wildlife conflicts in the 2011-12 period, it peaked at 146 in 2018-19 and has been witnessing a significant reduction since. In 2024-25, the number of deaths came down to 67, which was 20 by this August. Snakebite cases accounted for 594 deaths of the 884 casualtiesdue to human-animal conflict recorded from 2016-17 to 2024-25, says the document. The draft policy also suggests converting all solar fences built across the State to smart fences. The second phase of Mission SARPA (Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App) will be implemented to eliminate snakebite deaths by strengthening the production and distribution of anti-venom and creating awareness among people. Enough food and water will be ensured for animals inside the forests by constructing more check-dams and ponds. The document also envisages reviving forestland by replacing exotic invasive plants with local plants and fruit trees. It also suggests setting fire in a controlled manner to ensure healthy grasslands, as these natural environments play an important role in providing food and protection to herbivores. The policy also stresses the need to mobilise resources to reduce human-wildlife conflicts by amending laws, including the Wildlife Protection Act. The public can express their opinion on the draft document published on the department website until August 27.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
10-ft-long Indian rock python rescued after causing panic in Mumbai society amid heavy monsoon rains
A 10-foot-long Indian Rock Python caused panic in a residential society in Mulund, Mumbai, after straying from its natural habitat due to heavy monsoon rains. The reptile, exhausted and disoriented, was safely rescued by the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) in coordination with the Mumbai Forest Department. The incident underscores the increasing human-wildlife interactions in urban areas, particularly near forest peripheries like Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Experts emphasize that such intrusions are not unusual during monsoon seasons, when wildlife displacement occurs due to flooding and habitat disturbance. The swift rescue ensured the safety of residents while allowing the Indian Rock Python, a non-venomous constrictor, to return to its natural forested environment safely. Python spotted in Mumbai homes amid monsoon experts rescue safely On Tuesday afternoon, RAWW received an emergency call about a large python inside a residential society. Residents gathered as the snake climbed a tree, sparking fear and curiosity. Pawan Sharma, RAWW president, highlighted that such encounters are common in areas adjacent to forested zones, illustrating the challenges of urban wildlife management. As reported by PTI, wildlife experts explained that heavy rains often force snakes and other reptiles out of their habitats. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo The Indian Rock Python had been displaced from nearby forests, struggling to find a safe route back to its natural habitat. Its exhaustion reflects the stresses wildlife face during monsoon flooding and urban encroachment. RAWW, in collaboration with the Mumbai Forest Department, conducted a safe and professional rescue. The python was captured without harm, then relocated to a protected forest area near Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This demonstrates the importance of trained wildlife rescue teams and emergency protocols for human-wildlife conflict. About the Indian Rock Python The Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) is a non-venomous, constrictor snake, one of the largest in India. Key facts include: Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and near water bodies Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles Behaviour: Nocturnal, generally non-aggressive Conservation status: Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 While harmless if left alone, their large size can cause fear in urban settings. Human-wildlife interaction in urban Mumbai Urban areas near Sanjay Gandhi National Park often witness wildlife intrusions, especially during heavy rains. Encroachment, habitat loss, and climate changes contribute to increased human-snake encounters. Precautions recommended by experts: Avoid approaching or attempting to handle snakes Keep pets indoors during the monsoon season Immediately inform certified wildlife rescue organizations Install proper fencing for societies bordering forested areas Also Read | Tennessee hiker dies after venomous timber rattlesnake bite; experts urge snake safety precautions for hikers
