Report on Human-Wildlife Conflict in Karnataka: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of Human-Wildlife Conflict Increase

Karnataka has experienced a significant 183% increase in human-wildlife conflict (HWC) incidents over the past five years, raising critical concerns for government authorities and forest departments. The number of reported cases escalated from a few hundred in 2019 to several thousand by the end of 2024, predominantly involving species in the southern Western Ghats region.

Study on Conflict Hotspots and Species Involved

A comprehensive study titled “Geospatial Identification of Human-Wildlife Conflict Hotspots in the Southern Western Ghats”, published in the Indian Society of Remote Sensing journal, analyzed over 34,000 HWC incidents across Karnataka from 2019 to 2023. Experts from leading institutes in Karnataka and Telangana identified conflict clusters and hotspots, providing essential data for future management strategies.

• Seventeen animal species were involved in conflict cases.
• Approximately 98% of conflicts were attributed to elephants, tigers, and leopards.
• Other species involved included wild boars, gaurs, spotted deer, peacocks, and sloth bears.

Government Response and Compensation

During this period, the government disbursed approximately Rs 27 crore in compensation to victims of human-wildlife conflicts, reflecting efforts to address the socio-economic impacts on affected communities.

Seasonal Trends and Environmental Factors

Contrary to common assumptions that animals invade human habitats primarily during summer for food and water, the study revealed that the highest number of incidents (30.9%) occurred during the monsoon months (July to September), followed by 29.4% from October to December.

Researcher GM Pavithra highlighted environmental contributors to the conflict:

• High density of invasive species such as Lantana camara and Senna spectabilis obstruct animal movement and reduce available food sources.
• Monoculture plantations have significantly contributed to habitat degradation.

Impact on Agriculture and Human Settlements

• Elephants caused 97.8% of crop damage, with gaurs responsible for 1.4%.
• Nearly all conflicts occurred in agricultural lands, plantations, or orchards.
• Over 5,000 incidents were reported within 100m to 500m of human settlements.
• Elephant conflicts were common across all distances, while carnivore (tiger and leopard) conflicts were mostly within 100m of settlements.

Influence of Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure development, particularly road construction, has exacerbated human-wildlife conflicts by disrupting wildlife movement patterns and increasing access to cultivated food sources along corridors.

Elevation and Conflict Patterns

• Elephant-related conflicts were more frequent at higher elevations (750 to 1,000 meters).
• Carnivore-related incidents predominantly occurred at lower elevations (500 to 750 meters) near forest edges.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 15: Life on Land

This report underscores the urgent need to protect terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity by managing human-wildlife conflicts effectively. The identification of conflict hotspots supports targeted conservation efforts, promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Addressing crop damage caused by wildlife is critical to ensuring food security for rural communities dependent on agriculture, aligning with efforts to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Mitigating conflicts near human settlements enhances safety and resilience of communities, fostering sustainable urban and rural development.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Managing invasive species and restoring natural habitats contribute to ecosystem resilience, supporting climate adaptation strategies.

Recommendations for Sustainable Conflict Management

1. Implement habitat restoration programs to reduce invasive species and promote native flora.
2. Develop community-based conflict mitigation strategies, including early warning systems and compensation mechanisms.
3. Integrate wildlife corridors in infrastructure planning to maintain natural movement patterns.
4. Enhance research and monitoring to inform adaptive management policies.
5. Promote awareness and education campaigns to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article discusses human-wildlife conflicts, focusing on the impact on wildlife species such as elephants, tigers, and leopards, which directly relates to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Crop destruction by wildlife (97.8% by elephants) affects agricultural productivity and food security for local communities.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The proximity of wildlife conflicts to human settlements (100m to 500m) highlights challenges in creating safe, sustainable human habitats.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article mentions invasive species and monoculture plantations affecting wildlife movement and food availability, which are linked to ecosystem resilience and climate adaptation.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Government compensation schemes (Rs 27 crore disbursed) reflect institutional responses to human-wildlife conflicts, aiming for peaceful coexistence.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through sustainable practices.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and waste management.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of Human-Wildlife Conflict Incidents
   • The article provides data on the rise in HWC incidents (183% increase from 2019 to 2024), which can serve as an indicator of conflict frequency and severity.
2. Compensation Amount Disbursed
   • Rs 27 crore disbursed as compensation to victims serves as an indicator of institutional response and support mechanisms.
3. Species Involved in Conflicts
   • Percentage of incidents attributed to specific species (98% elephants, tigers, leopards) can indicate biodiversity impact.
4. Proximity of Incidents to Human Settlements
   • Data on distance of conflict incidents from settlements (100m to 500m) can measure human-wildlife interaction intensity.
5. Crop Damage Percentage
   • Crop destruction percentages (97.8% by elephants) reflect agricultural impact and food security concerns.
6. Seasonal Distribution of Incidents
   • Incidents occurring mostly during monsoon months (30.9%) can be used to understand temporal patterns and plan mitigation.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com