Man Animal Conflict: An emerging menace in North East India

Abstract

Man animal conflict is emerging as a huge threat with considerable loss of both human and animal lives, loss of property and livelihood affecting mostly the population to come in close proximity to the animal habitats. With the increase in human populations, man is intruding more and more into the forests for expansion of construction and other activities leading to increasing conflicts for territory. Climate change can alter the climates of specific regions causing scarcity of water and biodiversity for animals which can result in animal migration and thereby increasing the chances of conflict. Co-ordinated efforts at global levels with increasing pressure on the government to adopt policies to address this issue is of prudence. Understanding the dynamics of human wild life relationship and identification of the deeper underlying causes of conflict needs to be done in a context specific manner. Development of strategies with long lasting impact is the need of the hour to address this rising menace.