Human-wildlife Conflict in the Forest Fringe Villages of Barak Valley, Assam, India. (1st July 2016) - Dutta, Himangshu
Abstract: Human-wildlife conflict is a challenge to both mankind and wildlife and is a severe conservation issue. Villages located adjacent to protected forests are the most vulnerable sites as human and wildlife needs intersect each other in these areas. There are 12 reserve forests and one wildlife sanctuary in Barak Valley, South Assam, but no proper study has been undertaken on this aspect in their fringes. In view of this, a close-ended questionnaire survey was conducted to study the problem in such areas of the region. Four main conflict animals, viz., jackal, civet, wild boar and monkey were documented. Some other mammals, including a few endangered species were also found to cause depredation. The outcome is expected to aid conservationists for further study of the problem as well as for the management of wildlife.