Staying ALIVE!

The importance of getting to the root causes of conflict with wildlife, is essential. Its mitigation will guarantee the very survival of all species.

- VIVEK RANJAN

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC), an often-used terminology in conservation science, primarily connotes interactions between humans and wildlife, where the impact is invariably harmful. The term “conflict” has gained prevalence and momentum in recent decades; however, the relationship between humans and wildlife is deeply rooted in our civilisation. HWC has become a significant topic for research, policy and talk for conservationists, naturalists, managers, and policymakers. The nature of interactions has changed with time due to many factors. Various scientists and naturalists have provided definitions for HWC based on the concept that the interactions between humans and wildlife can result in negative consequences, including the loss of property, livelihoods, and human lives.

The HWC is a modern-day global conservation challenge with regional traits. To understand the present HWC scenario in the landscape, we need to dig into the history of the terai and its unique landscape dynamics. TeraiBhabar landscape is spread across the southern foothills of the Himalayas, with the western and eastern limits ending in India with parts of Nepal and Bhutan interspersed in between comprising tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. The Terai forests support high biodiversity with a complex mosaic of micro-habitat types that add to its rich biodiversity. The area is characterised by tall grasses, dense evergreen trees, and numerous wetland habitats that provide a home to wildlife, including tigers, sloth bears, rhinoceros, elephants, and leopards. The area is also prone to high levels of HWC.