Mysuru: A boom in wildlife population in Karnataka has sparked conflicts with humans across the state. To tackle these challenges, forest officers have formed a task force to attend to all complaints immediately.According to data shared by forest minister Eshwar B Khandre in the assembly, while responding to a query about measures taken to tackle animal-human conflicts, Karnataka’s wildlife numbers, as per the all-India tiger census conducted in 2022, are estimated to include 563 tigers and 1,890 leopards. The 2023 elephant census estimates there are 6,395 elephants. In Karnataka’s five tiger reserves, a census of tigers and other herbivores was conducted. Estimated herbivore numbers are deer-102,968; sambar-18,145; wild boar-20,982; and barking deer-10,302, he stated.Efforts are under way to evaluate elephant numbers, behaviour, human-elephant conflict zones, and to enhance conservation efforts. A long-term management plan involves collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, to study these issues. To prevent human-elephant conflicts, physical barriers are being constructed, including solar-powered fences and trenches along forest edges to prevent elephants from venturing out. Railway barricades are also being installed in conflict-prone areas.To increase water availability for wildlife, ponds are being constructed and rejuvenated in protected forests, preventing elephants and other wildlife from leaving the forests. Under the habitat development initiative, efforts are being made to clear invasive lantana and other weeds to promote grass growth in forest areas, ensuring a suitable habitat for wildlife.Elephant Task Forces (ETF) and Leopard Task Forces (LTF) are operational with a 24/7 control room to respond to calls and take immediate action following complaints of wildlife sightings near human habitats. Emergency management teams (RAT) are established for handling elephant-related emergencies.Under the “Hejje” initiative, adult female elephants in groups are fitted with radio collars to track movements and provide information via WhatsApp to prevent human casualties and injuries. Foresters will keep tracking the movement of the herd on the dashboard round the clock. In ten districts with high human-elephant conflicts, technology systems are implemented to monitor elephant movements and send early warning messages to the public. An advanced alert system is developed to send direct messages to the public in case of wildlife sightings.With regard to tigers, guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, New Delhi, are strictly followed in all five tiger reserves: Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Kali Tiger Reserve, and BRT Tiger Reserve.For the management of leopards, bears, and other wildlife, management plans are prepared for each wildlife sanctuary, focusing on habitat development, water resource enhancement, and weed removal to promote grassland development.Deputy conservator of forest (wildlife) IB Prabhugowda, who is in charge of the Leopard Task Force in Mysuru and Mandya, says in the last two-and-a-half-years, more than 3,000 complaints of leopard conflicts were received, and 171 leopards were rescued. As more than 80% of leopards live outside forest areas and near human habitats, conflicts are inevitable. However, the task force team, with 45 personnel, is doing commendable work by attending to all complaints immediately.Elephant Task Force DCF MN Naveen said more than 700 complaints of elephant-human conflicts were reported in these two districts since the task force was created. The conflicts are more prevalent in HD Kote and Saraguru taluks, which are near Nagarahole and Bandipur tiger reserves. Even complaints in Malavalli, Mandya, which abuts Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, are more frequent. However, all complaints are being effectively handled to mitigate human-elephant conflict by a team of 32 personnel.
