#conflictmitigation

The interaction between humans and wildlife in India’s Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) offers valuable insights into the dynamics of coexistence and conflict. From leopard-induced livestock losses to elephant crop raiding, the patterns of these interactions reveal a complex interplay between predators and prey. The financial repercussions of these wildlife encounters have spurred communities to adopt various coping mechanisms. Traditional approaches have proven ineffective, prompting the implementation of innovative solutions. Moreover, socio-economic factors significantly influence the intensity of wildlife incursions. In order to gain a deeper understanding of these complex interactions, it is essential to expand the scope of these type of research. These researches are crucial for developing effective conservation and conflict resolution strategies that address the varied challenges faced by communities living alongside wildlife.

A recent study by researchers Anand, S., & Radhakrishna, S. (2024) delve into the impact of mining on human-primate conflict in southern India. Through a blend of household surveys and geospatial analysis, they explore how alterations to the landscape due to mining activities shape the dynamics of conflict between humans and primates in coal mining regions.

In a coal mining region of southern India, researchers delve into the intricate interplay between human activities and wildlife dynamics. Through a meticulous blend of household surveys and geospatial analysis, they unravel the impacts of mining-induced landscape changes on human-primate conflict. Unlike traditional conflict scenarios, where crop damage often takes center stage, house-raiding emerges as the predominant form of conflict. The study took place in Ramagundam Coal Belt region, situated in the Mancherial and Pedapalli districts of Telangana state, southern India, is part of the expansive Godavari Valley Coalfields (GVCF). Initially explored in 1886, the mining region has steadily expanded to encompass an area of 17,000 km2 across several districts. The Ramagundam area, in particular, has been a focal point of intensive mining activities since 1974.

Location of study area and selection of survey locations

Results revealed that, unlike typical rural conflict scenarios, house-raiding emerged as the predominant conflict form, with minimal crop damage instances. Primates exhibited avoidance behaviors towards mining areas, with conflict incidents escalating further away from mines. Landscape features, particularly monospecific plantations correlated with reduced crop damage but increased likelihood of house-raiding incidents. Analysis of long-term land cover changes highlighted the correlation between the expansion of built-up areas and increased human-primate conflict interactions, particularly with rhesus macaques moving towards human settlements. The research sheds light on the intricate connection between mining operations and human-primate conflict, highlighting how human-induced changes to landscapes significantly influence wildlife behavior and conflict patterns.