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.