Study on Human Wildlife Conflict and Its Impact on The Livelihood of Rural Communities of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The escalating human-wildlife conflicts in rural communities, driven by expanding human populations encroaching upon natural habits, pose significant risks to both human safety and livelihoods as highlighted in the WWF Magazine ‘s Spring Issue (2023). These conflicts result from differing perspectives on resolution, leading to tensions among various groups and causing a reduction in territory, natural resources, fatalities, injuries and habitat destruction for both humans and wildlife. Unfortunately, some rare and endangered species face the threat of extinction due to human action taken to prevent future conflicts, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue. Philip J. Nyhus (2016) suggests that a range of social and psychological factors, including cultural backgrounds, emotional connections, economic considerations governance structures and stakeholder involvement influence people’s interaction with wildlife. Based on the data obtained from various sources around2020-23, the number of animal and financial losses was estimated. Most of the damage is caused in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram, and Eluru districts where most of the HWC occurs mainly due to elephant attacks (Elephas spp), along with monkeys (Maccacca spp), wild Boar (Sus spp), Snakes like (Naja naja, Krait, Bungarus spp) Mice, Mouse, Rat spp., Jackles (Canis spp), Tiger (Tigris spp) which is amounting to almost 22% of the livestock loss domesticated by farmers.  The domesticated animals which were mostly eaten by the predators are Fishes, (Catla, Labeo,Cirhinus spp.) Birds (Gallus, Chittagong, Aseel spp.) goats (Capra spp.), sheep (Ovis spp,) Cows (Bos spp.), pigs (Sus), Buffalo (Bubalus spp.), etc. Altogether substantial amount of monetary loss has occurred.  The public and government officials in combined action can mitigate these problems from future attacks. To address this issue, effective management strategies are needed that balance the needs of both humans and wildlife while minimizing the risk of conflict.