“Bridging the Divide” Strategies for Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

ACTIVITIES

December 13, 2024

“Bridging the Divide” Strategies for Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

Author: Silila Sandawala Bulathsinhala

“This conflict can only be solved through a holistic approach where better understanding with ecosystem and all living individuals Dr. Jagath Gunawardena.”

“This is second foremost crisis in Sri Lanka after economic crisis. To reduct poverty we need to implement national action plan as soon as possible- Senior conservationist, Supun Lahiru Prakash”

“This is something that has happened since the day the society began to transform, HWC is a historical issue. We propose establishing a unified mechanism by merging 15 institutions to manage toque macaque populations effectively. Dr Ravindra Kariyawasam”

As the sun sets over the Kala Wawa, the silhouettes of elephants emerge against the fading light, some are quickly drawn to the water, relieves weariness, some are tasting milk from their glories big-bodied mother. Breathtaking sights! Their every action is like a performance. It is made even more exciting by the participating of deer, leopards, birds and bears. Yet, beneath this enchanting facade lies a pressing crisis that poses a significant threat to both wildlife and human communities. “Human Wildlife Conflict”

This is something that has happened since the day the society began to transform, it is a historical issue said, senior environmentalist Dr. Ravindra Kariyawasam. This has become a problem since the day when human being started to think that he is not further an animal in the forest. From there man began to clash with the environment, He added.

When consider the start of HWC in Sri Lanka, the year 1972 being special. Because, Sri Lankans who were dependent on forest until then, stopped it with the starts of open economy. In 1972 Sri Lanka imports many items than producing in the country. This led to the cessation of forest livelihoods and regularly loss the connection between human and wild. There was no proper land management plan over the past. The population increases, the demand for space has also increased. Step by step, people constructed in the habitats of animals, they used fences to cover up. Began to use the paths of animals which, they normally used to find food and water. This makes a problem to a crisis. You can see that there has been a clear injustice done to wild animals. This leads to the extinction of some organisms without any signs. And somebody still fights with humans for their needs.

Human- elephant conflict, Human – Leopard conflict, toque monkey terrorism, these text lines yet very familiar with Sri Lankans now. Farmers are directly facing this problem. Resolving this issue is a major task for the new government, which has prioritized the policy of eradicating rural poverty. In the other hand, their environmental manifesto highlights the ‘sustainable environment that ensures the healthy existence of biodiversity’. It is in this backdrop that subject Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation and Lands K. D Lalkantha said that farmers can take any steps against wild animals that cause crop damage. Many environmentalists had spoken out about the serious implications of this statement. Not only animals that damage crops, but also animals that do not do so are vulnerable in this situation. Most protected wild animals are being governed by the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance (FFPO). Therefore, legal action can be taken against people who work against it. Therefore, it is the rural poor community that is once again helpless in this situation.

The elephant and the toque monkeys are come forward in the discussions with this regard. The main character is elephant. Elephant conservationist, Supun Lahiru Prakash described the story of wild elephants. “Elephant consider as, “keystone species” which, is an organism that helps hold the system together. Without its keystone species, ecosystems would look very different. Some ecosystems might not be able to adapt to environmental changes if their keystone species disappeared. The benefits they bring to the ecosystem are immeasurable. Elephants eat variety of foods which helps seed dispersal. Also breakdown huge branches so it’s open canopy layer and helps shade to reach earth. This incident stimulates formation of new trees. On the other hand it supply food for small herbivores. Yet, in dry season elephants dig the floor and open up water. Then, other animals use these water holes to fulfill their needs. So, elephants play crucial role in eco system.” Thus, you will now understand that, if the elephant disappears, the forest system itself will collapse. Considering all these factors National Action Plan has proposed for Human Elephant Conflict Mitigation. The committee conducted a review of all human-elephant conflict mitigation methods. For over 60 years much effort and funds have been expended in the plan called for ‘elephants to be driven along temporary corridors into permanent corridors and national reserves when development takes place’. According to the national action plan data, currently there is around 4,500 km of fencing erected by the department of wildlife conservation. However, conflict is still rising. Elephants are found in about 60% of the country and in 44% of the country elephants and people live in the same landscape. Therefore, to solve this problem, not only wildlife, but also a number of ministries need to come together. Therefore, environmentalists are requesting that a presidential task force be appointed for this purpose.

There are scientific solutions for this conflict!

Understand their range and behaviors are important for conflict mitigation. They mainly come for food. Community-based electric fencing system is one of sustainable solution. It is a temporary fencing system around the cultivation lands only for the time of cultivation. When harvested farmers should open up the farming land to elephants. Then elephants will get the opportunity to eat the remaining herbs (Ipanella) and saplings which will fulfill their food need. On the other hand, there is no loss to the farmer as there is no crop damage. This method was successfully followed in the Hambantota and Trincomalee districts. Prakash revealed that, this method successfully continue in several areas by agriculture department now and accordingly, coexistence strategies between humans and elephants have been developed and all these included in the National Action Plan.

Toque macaques issue come to the front after elephants. “The population of toque macaque has increased in Sri Lanka. This is due to the decline of natural predators and reduced food availability in forests, which has driven these animals to seek food in agricultural areas. We propose establishing a unified mechanism by merging 15 institutions to manage toque macaque populations effectively.” Dr. Kariyawasam added. There are several scientific methods to control macaques. Contraception is result driven method. This method involves the use of hormones or vaccines to control the breeding of monkeys. It can be an effective way to prevent the birth of unwanted offspring. Sterilization is a surgical procedure that permanently removes the reproductive organs of the monkeys. It is a highly effective method for controlling population growth. Also Relocation and Habitat modification can take into consideration. Monkeys can be relocated to areas with less dense populations. This method can effectively reduce a particular area’s population but can also be costly and time-consuming. As well, Habitat modification can include removing food sources or changing the environment to discourage monkeys from inhabiting a particular area.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, a study has revealed that in 2016 in the dry zone in Sri Lanka 10% of the total crops were damaged by the wild animals. Not all animals responsible for this. Basically wild elephants, monkeys, peacocks, giant squirrels and wild boars. It’s important to note that population control techniques must be carried out humanely and ethically to protect wildlife and their habitats. It’s also important to consult with experts and local authorities to ensure that the chosen method is appropriate and effective for the specific species and environment. It’s better to reconsider these scientific methods rather than to beat and kill wild animals that come into the fields and drive them away. Environmentalists recently discussed with the Minister of Wildlife, Dr. dhammika Patabendi about possible positive solutions for this. Accordingly, attempting to resolve this issue through a common mechanism is a positive approach. On the other hand, empowering local populations with knowledge about wildlife behavior and conservation can foster coexistence rather than conflict. All our resource persons revealed that, this issue cannot be resolved immediately. It will take some time and must be done with restraint.

Senior environmentalist and lawyer Dr. Jagath Gunawardena reveals that, “This conflict can only be solved through a holistic approach where better understanding with ecosystem and all living individuals.” He further explains, “The idea that more land is needed for development is a very outdated one. Nowadays, there are many ways and means to manage land with technology and achieve higher yields.”

Conservationists warn that the survival of many species is intertwined with the livelihoods of local communities. According to the elephant researcher, Mithapala’s research data one elephant of the country contribute to earn 4million rupees per year. In the gathering seoson it increases to 10 million. This clearly demonstrates their contribution to the tourism industry on the one hand and to poverty alleviation on the other. Addressing HWC is not merely an environmental issue; it is a socio-economic challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. With creativity, collaboration, and commitment, we can turn this crisis into an opportunity for harmony, ensuring that the enchanting silhouettes on the lake continue to inspire generations to come.