2 weeks Ago
Chennai: A recent survey has identified five forest divisions in the state as hotspots for human-animal conflicts . These conflicts have led to significant crop damage, loss of human lives, livestock killings, and property damage. The affected divisions are Coimbatore, Gudalur in the Nilgiris, Sathyamangalam, Hasanur in Erode district, and Hosur, according to chief project director I Anwardeen.
The survey by Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project Climate Change Response (TBGPCCR) was conducted through a detailed 70-question questionnaire, and was distributed to residents of 70 villages near forest fringes in these divisions, where conflicts are frequent. Gudalur faced the highest crop damage, mainly from elephants, wild pigs, black-napped hares and bonnet macaques. Sathyamangalam and Hasanur dealt with elephants and wild pigs, while Coimbatore and Hosur saw damage primarily from elephants, wild pigs, and spotted deer.
Gudalur suffered the highest revenue loss from crop damage among the divisions. Crop raids are daily in Coimbatore, Gudalur, Sathyamangalam, and Hosur, while weekly in Hasanur. The increasing wildlife encroachments have sharply cut actual income versus expected profits.
Livestock killings were most frequent in Gudalur and Sathyamangalam, mainly due to leopards targeting goats, pet dogs, and calves. Revenue losses from conflicts ranged from 1,000 to 2 lakh, with human deaths mainly caused by elephants, sloth bears, and wild pigs. Compensation amounts varied between 10,000 to 5 lakh, with the highest payouts in Gudalur, followed by Sathyamangalam and Hasanur.
Despite a higher awareness of the issue among residents, the survey highlighted a widespread call for increased government compensation. Notably, the current compensation rates in Tamil Nadu are 30% higher than those in neighbouring states, the survey concluded. We also published the following articles recently AI-based system to help tackle human-animal conflicts in Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has introduced a mobile artificial intelligence-based system known as a virtual wall to address human-wildlife conflicts.
This technology employs AI-equipped cameras to detect tiger movements, alert forest officials, and enhance the safety of local villagers, demonstrating sustainable energy solutions and portability for cost effectiveness. Forest division to retrieve 14k ha from revenue dept The Pune forest department plans to reclaim 14,000 hectares from the revenue department. Originally handed over for administrative purposes, the land saw unauthorized constructions and encroachments.
Officials aim to remove these encroachments, demolish temporary structures, and secure compensatory land for government buildings, ensuring the areas are classified as reserve forests. Farmers face crop damage as rain intensifies late Aug Heavy monsoon showers in Goa have damaged newly transplanted paddy fields, particularly in low-lying areas. Zonal agricultural officers are evaluating crop losses, with ongoing assessments.
Premature fruit drops in horticultural crops like arecanut, coconut, and banana are reported. Farmers may receive compensation under Shetkari Aadhar Nidhi scheme. Accurate damage assessment is crucial as prolonged waterlogging poses additional risks.
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