Context:

Kerala is witnessing a surge in human-wildlife conflicts, with Wayanad district reporting four deaths within 48 hours due to elephant attacks. The Union Environment Ministry recorded 460 deaths and 4,527 injuries from 2020 to 2024 due to encounters with wild animals. This crisis has sparked discussions in the Rajya Sabha, urging amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to prioritize human safety.

Extent of Human-Wildlife Conflict

Between 2019 and 2024, elephant attacks caused 2,833 fatalities across India, with 629 deaths in 2023-24 alone. Kerala recorded 102 elephant-related deaths in 2024.

Recent Incidents in Kerala

• Elephant Attacks in Wayanad (2024): Four people were killed in two days, including a 27-year-old man in Attamala, a landslide-affected village.
• Tiger Attack (January 24, 2024): A tribal woman working in a coffee plantation was fatally attacked.

These incidents highlight the urgent need for effective wildlife management.

Concerns and Challenges

• Human safety is compromised under existing laws.
• Farmers and plantation workers face financial losses due to fear of attacks.
• Wild boars destroy key crops like banana, ginger, turmeric, and tapioca.
• Lack of a clear national strategy on human-wildlife conflict management.

The Need for a National Strategy

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) made following suggestions:

• A national policy for structured conflict management.
• Stronger state-level wildlife management for timely interventions.
• Legal reforms to balance conservation with human safety.

Issues with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, aims to conserve wildlife and regulate activities affecting biodiversity. However, several issues persist:

• Weak enforcement and corruption hinder its effectiveness.
• Mismatches with global conservation standards like CITES.
• No punitive measures for trading species banned internationally.
• Lack of recognition for threatened species listed by IUCN.
• Migratory species lack protection, despite prolonged stays in India.
• Certain provisions aggravate human-wildlife conflicts.

Conclusion

The increasing human-wildlife conflict in Kerala is part of a larger national crisis. Rising fatalities and economic losses demand urgent policy interventions. Amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, along with better management strategies, are crucial to balancing wildlife conservation with human safety. Ongoing discussions will shape a sustainable approach to mitigating conflicts