Effectiveness Of Nylon Net Fencing In Enclosing And Safeguarding Protection Area Of Sundarban Tiger Reserve
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/jaz.v46i2.5328Keywords:
Sundarban, Tiger, Wildlife, Nylon Net, Fencing, Conflict, Estuarine Ecosystem, Mitigation.Abstract
Context: The Sundarban Tiger Reserve (STR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest tidal flat, had faced intense human-wildlife conflict, primarily involving the Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). Tigers' encroachment into adjacent human settlements triggers this conflict, leading to human deaths and tigers' retaliatory killings. In response, the management of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve (STR) is critical, with 108 km of nylon net fencing being installed at the forest-village interface, especially along the tidal river banks and along the forest edge.
Aims: This study evaluates the effectiveness of this low-cost nylon net fencing physical barrier in mitigating HWC and safeguarding the designated protection areas by restricting tiger movement.
Methods: Data suggests a dramatic reduction in tiger straying incidents in villages (from approximately 25–30 cases per year to nearly 0) following the widespread implementation of nylon net fencing.
Key Results: The fencing, often supported by bamboo or more durable cement concrete posts, functions as a psychological and physical deterrent.
Conclusions: However, challenges persist regarding the long-term maintenance of the fence in the dynamic estuarine environment, such as community engagement and alternative livelihood programs.
Implications: The study concludes that the nylon net fencing is a highly effective, cost-efficient, and critical intervention in the STR's integrated conservation strategy, provided it is supported by a rigorous maintenance protocol and community cooperation.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Anik Biswas, Ranjana Gupta, Jones Justin, Sankar Sekhar Biswas, A. Goswami, Sukanta Biswas, Sapna Bhargava
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
