Koppal’s semi-arid landscape emerges as key wildlife refuge, study urges rethink of conservation and ‘wasteland’ classification

In the semi-arid landscape of Koppal district in Karnataka, in the Deccan Peninsula, human-used terrain, often overlooked in conservation conversations, seems to be playing a vital role in supporting wildlife.

As per a recent study, open natural ecosystems (ONE) and livelihood practices, such as low-intensity rainfed farming and pastoralism, have been key to sustaining species, such as striped hyena, sloth bear, blackbuck, and Indian grey wolves, in this region.