Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Ramu MS, Umesh KB, GM Gaddi, Sadhana HS and Nayana HN

Abstract:
The study, conducted in the Central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, specifically in Sakleshpur and Mudigere taluks, centered on human-wildlife conflict. The primary data were collected from 200 respondents during 2022-23. The analysis revealed that the majority of farmer respondents living in medium-sized family category and the average size of land holdings is slightly higher in Mudigere (5.76 acres) compared to Sakleshpur (5.63 acres). The cropping intensity is higher in Mudigere farms (283.51%) compared to Sakleshpur farms (260.83%), indicating a greater level of diversification in Mudigere. The primary wildlife species responsible for crop raiding were identified as the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus) and Wild boar (Sus scrofa). Asian elephants accounted for 90.06 percent, Indian Gaur accounted for 5.54 percent and Wild boar accounted for the remaining 4.40 percent of total crop loss due to wild animals in the study area. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the presence of a water source near the plantation, and the availability of favourable crops/food for wild animals in proximity to the plantation, influencing the occurance of human wildlife conflict at the one percent level of significance. Based on these findings, the study recommended the adoption of better conflict mitigation measures like solar fencing to minimize losses caused by wildlife crop raiding s in the Central Western Ghats of Karnataka. Implementing effective strategies to address habitat destruction, improve food availability for wildlife, and manage the increasing wildlife population could help reduce the economic impact on farmers.