conflict mitigation

HUMAN - WILDLIFE CONFLICT AS A NATURAL DISASTER

Human-wildlife conflict in India is an increasingly urgent issue driven by habitat loss, population growth, and environmental changes that force wildlife closer to human settlements. This conflict results in crop damage, livestock losses, and sometimes human injuries or fatalities, posing a serious challenge to both conservation and rural livelihoods. Effective mitigation requires a combination of habitat restoration, use of technology such as early warning systems, community involvement, and government policies that emphasize compensation and coordinated response. Treating human-wildlife conflict as a natural disaster ensures faster relief and better management. Examples from various Indian states show that targeted interventions, including protected corridors and community education, can promote coexistence and reduce conflict, safeguarding both people and wildlife. The overall goal is sustainable coexistence that balances conservation priorities with socio-economic needs.