#Ajayan
The recent incidents in Wayanad, including two deaths caused by wild elephants and the loss of cattle to tigers, have sparked widespread concern, leading to a significant portion of the population taking to the streets, demanding protection. The escalation of tensions in Wayanad is evident, with calls from various groups to address the threat posed by the wild elephant, Belur Makhna, and other dangerous animals. There have even been discussions in Karnataka about inviting a sharpshooter, formerly a poacher, to eliminate the elephant. The Church and political parties, among others, have joined the chorus advocating for the culling of these 'rogue' animals.
It is intriguing to note the shifting perception of environmentalist Madhav Gadgil, whose report on the Western Ghats has met resistance from both protestors and authorities alike. While his recommendations for conserving the Western Ghats are largely rejected by these groups, his recent stance advocating for the culling of wild animals appears to have garnered their approval. This highlights the complex and evolving dynamics surrounding wildlife conservation and human-wildlife conflict in the region.
A striking aspect is the absence of concerns raised by the tribal communities, living in close proximity to wildlife. This silence stands out, highlighting their unique perspective on coexisting with the natural environment.
A comprehensive solution for the issues in Wayanad cannot be limited to this single region, as it is just one small area within the expansive Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats. This reserve, the largest protected forest area in the country, spans approximately 5000 sqkm across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It includes the Mudumalai and Mukurthi National Parks and the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu; the Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks in Karnataka; and the Silent Valley National Park, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
Resolving the persistent human-wildlife conflict in NBR, especially in Wayanad, demands a united, cross-border effort involving the governments of the three States and the Central Government must coordinate the collaboration and secure the funds for this intricate and costly endeavour. Such efforts are vital not only for the immediate safety of Wayanad's inhabitants but also for the enduring conservation of wildlife across the region.
The man-animal conflict in Wayanad, derived from Vayalnad (the land of fields), intensifies due to seasonal factors, especially during the onset of summer when water and food become scarce in neighboring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This often compels elephants and other wildlife to venture into human settlements in Wayanad. Adding to the problem is the insufficient monitoring of radio-collared animals, exemplified by two human deaths in elephant attacks. Though the 'trouble' elephants were collared in Karnataka, their movements were not sufficiently tracked or shared with authorities in Kerala.
Besides, there are allegations that radio-collared animals are occasionally captured and released in border areas, which complicates their movements and exacerbates the conflict situation. It is to be understood that animals do not recognize state boundaries and roam freely in search of food and water, akin to humans seeking greener pastures, as seen in the case of settlers in Wayanad.
The idea of allowing culling of animals, as practised in some developed countries, is a contentious issue in India. Some forest officials, speaking anonymously, admit that if culling were permitted, it could lead to a drastic reduction in wildlife populations. Additionally, the assertion that wild animal populations are surpassing the carrying capacity of forests lacks scientific evidence.
Wayanad sanctuary spread over 344 sqkm had just 84 tigers in 2023, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority when it was 153 in 2021. The density of tigers in Wayanad follows a healthy trend of 7.7 per sqkm. Even the elephant population in Kerala declined by around 59 per cent to 2386 in 2023 from 5706 in 2017. With the onset of summer, there will be a migration of elephants to Wayanad and a reverse scenario once monsoon sets in.
To address these complex issues, authorities would need to undertake comprehensive studies of animal populations, as well as the flora and fauna of the region. Such studies would help identify the underlying causes of human-wildlife conflict, the ecological dynamics at play and devise effective and sustainable solutions to maintain the delicate balance between wildlife and their habitats.
It is an undeniable truth that forests have seen the proliferation of exotic flora, much like in other regions. Whether it be the senna, with its blooms reminiscent of the kani konna, or the invasive lantana, and even the ubiquitous jackfruit, tamarind and mango saplings, many such plants were introduced as part of the social forestry programme years ago. The aftereffect of this is now spreading throughout NBR.
A striking example of this is the historical account of the Kerala Government in the late 1950s and early 1960s clearing natural forest cover across 36,000 hectares in Wayanad to make way for eucalyptus saplings, destined for Gwalior Rayons in Mavoor. It was only through a concerted protest by local farmers that this practice was finally halted in 1979, as pointed out by Badusha N of the Wayanad Prakriti Samrakshana Samiti. Naturalists suggest following developed countries where national parks are meticulously cleared of exotic plants and preserving the pristine quality of forests and keeping their ecological integrity intact.
Human settlements within forested areas are abundant. Regrettably, studies conducted a few years back highlighted that approximately 27 per cent of inhabitants in tribal colonies were individuals from non-tribal backgrounds. There has been a recurring pattern of engaging tribal communities and establishing trusts to develop tourism hubs within these forest corridors.
Cattle-rearing is a primary livelihood for individuals residing in forested areas and their peripheries. These animals are often allowed to graze freely in the forests, leading to their consumption of resources intended for wild animals. Additionally, when faced with the choice between hunting a deer or a cow, predators will naturally opt for the easier prey—the cow. This behaviour can drive predators to venture closer to human settlements for easy food.
These factors have collectively impacted the topography of the landscape, altering the climate and jeopardizing water sources. The extensive use of pesticides in farmlands has caused significant harm, exacerbating the situation.
Forests cannot be transformed into human settlements; instead, there must be a concerted effort to relocate people from forested areas. A notable example is the Wildlife Trust of India, led by wildlife biologist Sabu Jahas, successfully relocating residents from four villages situated in a challenging elephant corridor in Wayanad around two decades ago. Presently, the area has transformed into a dense forest for elephants and other wildlife to roam freely.
However, relocation is a complex and challenging task. It requires the cooperation of the three State Governments, guided by the Union Government, to devise a strategy in collaboration with the consent of the affected communities. While this process may take time, it is crucial to act now; otherwise, the opportunity may be lost forever.
Renowned wildlife photographer, naturalist and writer NA Naseer had an interesting comment when asked about the war-like situation in Wayanad. No animal, other than human beings, actively destroys forests. Even the often-maligned wild boar plays a role in nurturing the growth of seedlings even when it wallows in the land, he says. The primary issue lies in human encroachment into forested areas, which subsequently drives wildlife to seek sustenance outside their natural habitats.
