WildAID are now
in Kashmir to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and
to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the
well being of both animal and people. Small, but effective, seeking
to prevent further destruction of Kashmir's Wildlife and its habitat
and level the playing field by infusing resources and broad-based
support into campaigns to protect wildlife, captive-held animals,
and biodiversity wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
WildAID Kashmir esro Kashmir Chapter sharing a vision of a world
where wildlife and wild places are truly protected.
WILDLIFE HUMAN CONFLICT MGT. PROGRAMME
Helping
Kashmiri community to reduce conflicts with wildlife
Because
of its great diversity of habitat types, Kashmir is home to more
wildlife species than most other states. It is literally
impossible to live in this state without seeing or hearing
wildlife on a daily basis. Many of these experiences are
enjoyable; others are confrontational. Unpleasant encounters
with our wild neighbors can result in human death, injury, or
fear of injury, property damage, or minor nuisances.
As the human
population continues to grow and we continue to develop the open
space in our state, animals are constantly losing valuable
habitat that is vital to their survival. Kashmir is familiar
with the often unfortunate and inevitable conflicts that occur
where people and animals inhabit the same areas. The WildAID
Kashmir created the Wildlife Human Conflict Management Program
to address these issues and to ensure that Kashmir remains on
the forefront of progressive and humane management of its
valuable wildlife species.
The WildAID
Kashmir believes that all animals exist in a dynamic state of
interdependence with their environment, and that no animal is
inherently a "nuisance" or "pest" animal. However, because their
habitats are increasingly altered or managed by humans, certain
wild species–or individual animals–may, because of their number,
natural behavior, or presence in an inappropriate location, pose
a significant problem for or threat to humans, other animals, or
the environment.
The
WildAID
Kashmir
believes that before any measures are taken to control,
translocate or destroy wild animals, a careful analysis of the
animals’ behavior, environment, and the specific problem or
threat posed must be conducted. Humane wildlife control measures
should be implemented only when it is found that:
The presence
of the animal unavoidably endangers human life or unnaturally
threatens other animal life, either by acting as a vector for
disease or by directly causing serious injury or death; or
The presence
of the animal–because of its behavior and/or number–causes an
unnatural and harmful impact on the environment; or
The presence
of the animal–because of its behavior and/or number–causes
serious and unavoidable problems for humans.
If control
measures are implemented, the effects of these actions on the
environment and other animals should also be evaluated in order
to ensure the appropriateness, humaneness and long-term
effectiveness of the program.
The
WildAID
Kashmir
believes that wildlife control programs should employ the most
humane and least intrusive means for addressing wildlife
problems. Programs employing preventative steps are most
desirable. In most instances, the most effective approach to
wildlife control is manipulation of the environment–by such
means as removal of food sources or prohibiting access–rather
than moving or destroying animals.
Therefore, in order to encourage an understanding and
appreciation of wildlife, and to promote humane and effective
responses to conflicts with wildlife, the
WHCM
will:
Generate
public awareness of wildlife behavior and of preventative
measures that may be undertaken to avoid conflicts with
wildlife;
Act as an
educational and advisory resource to individuals and communities
with wildlife questions or problems; and
Encourage
state wildlife agencies to develop comprehensive wildlife
programs that specifically address prevention of and humane
solutions to wildlife problems.
WHCM
program mission is to provide the protection of wild species,
now and in the future. To that end, the program promotes
harmonious and peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife
in urban, suburban, and rural Kashmirs' communities through
helping to resolve human-animal conflicts in a humane,
long-term, and cost-effective manner.
Prevent
Conflicts with Wildlife Before They Occur
Enjoy wild
animals from a distance.
Never handle
or attempt to pet or feed wildlife.
Do not
keep wildlife as pets.
Use
secure-fitting lids on garbage cans that are outside. Keep your
trashcans in a closed garage or shed.
Supervise
outdoor feedings of pets, and clean the area well afterward. If
possible, do not feed pets outside.
Keep cats
indoors and supervise domesticated pets when outside at all
times.
Be sure your
dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
Regularly
clean outdoor grills.
If you keep a
bird feeder, clean up spilled seed to avoid attracting other
forms of wildlife.
Keep
your home in good repair.
Secure
chimneys with a chimney cap and cover dryer vents.
If you think
a wild animal may be sick or injured, contact your local
Wildlife official or Police Department.
Some of our
frustrations with wildlife can be alleviated by simply learning
why a situation occurs. Others require more action-oriented
prevention and control techniques e.g.
Natural
resources and village assets map
Map of
depredation “hotspots” and seasonal pastures
Calendar of
seasonal livestock movements and daily herding cycle
Seasonal
calendar of depredation losses (shows peak depredation
periods)
Pasture
ranking with respect to depredation and other losses
Pair-wise
matrix ranking of major sources of livestock mortality
Ranking of
different guarding measures
Income and
livelihood ranking matrix
Semi-structured interviews to assess predation causes and
patterns, along with possible remedial actions
Venn
diagram showing village institutions affecting livestock
production & management
Village or
pasture walk to obtain first-hand understanding of livestock
management practices and issues
As with any wildlife
population, objectives and attitudes of landowners, land
managers, resource users, and the general public will determine
if wild animals are considered an asset or a liability. Human
attitudes will ultimately determine whether or not wild animals
can survive.
Surface
communication in Kashmir division has attracted the ever
increasing vehicular population to drive even in remote areas
(168161 civil vehicles, 50000 army vehicles, ≥1 lac tourist
vehicles) operating along road length of 7986.13 kms, besides
rail track length of 262 kms bisecting every wildlife
sancturaries and the new to the list is Heerpur & Baltal
wildlife sanctuaries.
Mega hydel
power projects like Salal 690 MW on Chenab basin and Uri I 480
MW on Jhelum basin had proved to be detrimental to the wildlife
of Kashmir. The new mega projects having potential of large
scale habitat fragmentation include Baglihar I& II 900 MW,
Sawlakote 1200 MW, Kishanganga 330 MW, Burser 1020 MW, Pakaldul
1000 MW, Uri II 240 MW, Kirthai 600 MW, Naunatoo Naigarh 400 MW.
Kashmir Wildlife They
are innocuous
Prey
predation balance is on the verge of collapse in major areas of
Kashmir. Our wild animals are innocuous and harmless; these wild
innocents pose a threat neither to
man nor
to beast. Beasts of prey like the leopard keep in check the
population of herbivorous animals who cause much demage to
crops. But if such herbivorous animals are killed for any excuse
- protection of standing crops or commercial profits of
poaching, leopard have to fall back on human beings and domestic
cattle.
The alpine pasture have also lost their productive capacity
under the pressure of the nomadic graziers. The carrying
capacity of all typed of pasture lands does not exceed more than
2 to 3 Himalayan stock units (1 HSU = 1 adult sheep) against the
prevalent grazing intensity of 7 to 8 HSU.
wildlife rescue and
rehabilitation HOTLINE
RWW
2452429
(0194 Srinagar
Code)
Your Call can Help one animal to live long
We believe that You CANmake a difference!
Public perception of the
Kashmiri's carnivores will be partially dependent on immediate
and effective responses by wildlife professionals to reported
conflicts. Wild animals may be killed by individuals who are unaware
of solutions to simple problems, who feel that no effective solution
for their particular conflict exists, or who think that no one
cares.
Because the numerous wildlife species of Kashmir are listed as
threatened under the Endangered Species Act, killing wild animal
within the historic range of the subspecies carries central and
state penalties that can include heavy fines, suspension of
hunting privileges, and jail time. Informing the public about
potential conflicts and available solutions is an important
strategy in the overall restoration effort.
In general, conflicts between humans and wildlife can be
addressed by either managing the animals involved in the
conflict, manipulating the resource being damaged, or by placing
a physical or psychological barrier between the conflicting
resource and wildlife species. Due to the legal status of wild
animals , conflict resolution will rely heavily on non-lethal
damage control techniques, such as barriers, capture and
aversive conditioning, and resource management strategies.
Destruction of offending animals will only be considered if
human health and safety is jeopardized and all other measures
have failed. Ideal management plans should emphasize conflict
prevention and, when problems arise, the implementation of
practical solutions.
Hunting is often recommended as a damage control tool because it
reduces wildlife populations and associated problems to
acceptable levels and elicits human-avoiding behavior in the
hunted species. Legal harvest may become part of the overall
management plan for many carnivore's in the future. Until
the subspecies is recovered, however, hunting is not considered
a management option. Biologists will need to determine that
restoration efforts have been successful, the harvestable
surplus, and the maximum density of wild carnivore that will be
tolerated by the public before bear hunting will be permitted.
Trapping and releasing them far from their capture site is
called relocation. Relocating can cause them to roam over large
areas in search of familiar surroundings. Kashmir wild animals
have an excellent homing instinct, and will attempt to find
their way back to familiar territory, e.g Bears have been
documented traveling up to 400 miles from relocation sites. This
increases their susceptibility to being killed by vehicles along
roads or by humans who perceive a threat to their own safety.
Because of the stress and increased human interaction, relocated
bears have a reduced chance of survival. In addition, moving a
problem animal from one area to another can potentially bring a
nuisance to the new area. Consequently, bears involved in
conflicts with humans should be left in their established
territory whenever possible. Nuisance behavior can be altered
through live trapping, conditioning, and releasing bears into
the same general area. This can be accomplished by using the
bear’s intelligence and quick learning ability to “teach” bears
to stop nuisance behavior. This is referred to as aversive
conditioning.
Barriers preventing access may totally eliminate some ongoing
problems and offer the greatest immediate relief from conflicts
that arise. Barriers, in most cases, are both economically and
technically feasible to install and are considered a viable
option for controlling many types of bear-related damage.
Solar-powered electric fencing for bee yards, for example, is an
extremely effective bear deterrent.
Management of the resources being damaged or threatened is also
applicable to our goal of effectively managing wild human
conflicts. In some cases, conflicts may be avoided by keeping
susceptible resources away from wild habitat or by removing
attractants that lure animal to those resources.
WHCM Programme,
initiative of WildAID Kashmir, is to minimize the conflicts between
wild and the people. Important element at WHCMP strategy is
awareness.
We better know
the need to preserve and protect our wildlife. Sometimes we come
across conflicting situation when wildlife starts causing immense
damage and danger to man and under such conditions it becomes very
difficult for the wildlife department to pacify the affected
villagers and gain support for wildlife conservation. Infact more
killings are done by locals than by poachers.
Causes of Human
Wildlife Conflicts
Dwindling habitat
due to shrinking forests cover compels them to move outside forests
and attack human's and its livestock & standing crops.
Usually ill, weak
and injured animals have a tendency to attack
Very often the
villagers put electric wiring around their ripe crops or livestock
home , animal gets injured, suffer in pain and turn violent.
Wildlife
corridors through which the wild animal used to migrate seasonally
in groups to other areas, are being locally occupied by the human
settlements and at large scale Indo Pak line of control is now
electric fenced thus forcing wild animal to react .
About 45 % of the mammalian diversity of the state is listed as
globally threatened in IUCN Red Data List and 34 % is included in
Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This gives an
indication of the status of animals found in the State and the
conservation value of the State. There are many species facing
similar threats but do not find mention in either list. One can cote
both the species of hamster as an example. Although these species
occur in abundance locally, there numbers are being gradually
reduced due to indiscriminate trapping for their fur value. There
are several species of animals which have either been wiped out
completely or are on the verge of local extinction due to shelling,
landmines, forest fires, hunting pressures, grazing competition with
domestic live stock and poaching. Besides these, unfortunately a new
chapter has been opened in Kashmir, having potential to wipe out the
whole wildlife population in and around valley - wildlife-human
conflicts.
The recorded forest area in the State occupies only 20182 sq. km i.e
19.95 % of its 222235 sq. km geographical area. As per the National
Forest Policy, 1988 , hilly regions like that of Jammu & Kashmir
should aim at a forest cover of 66 %. Further, about 46 % of the
reported cover is between crown density of 10- 40 % , leaving only
about 11000 sq km of good forest with crown density of more than 40
%. Despite blanket ban on green felling by Supreme Court, 5360000
Cft firewood / timber is annually commercialized. Forest
Conservation Act ( 1997 ) strictly prohibits diversion of any forest
area to non forestry sector. However ever since 1997 Forest
Conservation Act, 3815.416 ha forest area has been diverted. Forests
encroachments is ever increasing issue of Kashmir forests
particularly in South circle ; range Anantnag 1065 , Lidder 296 ,
Shopian 768, JV 197 hectare has been encroached. Similarly in North
circle ; Kamraj 737 , Langate 542 , Kehmil 1070 and in Srinagar
circle ; Badipora 270 , Pirpanjal 890 , and Sind 230 hectares of
forest land has been encroached.
Kashmir is predominantly an agriculture economy with total
cultivable area of 7.48 and gross sown area of 11.15 lac hectares,
roughly 80% rural population directly or indirectly depends on
agriculture and allied sectors. However, the Valley falls in the,
mountainous Agriculture zone and therefore has a limited cultivable
area. The average size of holding in the state is 0.76 hectares and
about 85% farmers are in the categories of small and marginal
farmers. The State is facing deficit production of around 25% in
food grain, 70% in oil seed production and about 40% in vegetable
production, coupled with Annual growth of 2.9%. People inside
forests and in its vicinity tend to increase their agriculture land
or construct structures thereon. In recent past, the tendency showed
an increase, resulting in direct wildlife human conflicts.
Wild habitat destruction or defragmentation is main case of the
present fate of our wild life population. It is felt that despite
the presence of numerous laws aimed at conservation and protection
of forest resource this natural wealth is deteriorating in quality
and density owing to human(100.70 lac as on 2001) and live stock
population explosion (As per census of 2001 total livestock
population in Kashmir division is 40 lacs besides poultry of 44.66
lac ), overgrazing impeding regeneration, diversion of forest land
for non forestry purpose, encroachment (In Pirpanjal Forest Division
alone (Kashmir) 890 hectare has been encroached so for) and
urbanization ( Salim Ali National Park converted into International
Royal Spring Golf Course - Srinagar ), forest fires, traditional
affinity for forest biomass, lack of sufficient alternatives, poor
socio economy, low literacy, education and awareness, heavy
smuggling due to political unrest (so for 58 forest
officers-officials including conservator of forester fell to the
bullets in the harness during the insurgency), the forest cover has
been reduced.
With animal husbandry being the mainstay of a large percentage of
the people of the state, pressure of grazing in the state is far
beyond the production capacity of pasturelands of all types and is
adversely affecting the natural regeneration of the forests. The
total area available for grazing in the state is estimated to be
12787 sq km which works out to be 9.02% of the total geographic
area. The pastures of trans-Himalayas are not included in this
assessment. High altitude steppe grasslands of Ladakh cover an
estimated area of 3900 to 40000 sq km. Extensive free grazing is
pastoral and nomadic graziers in this area due to poor density of
vegetation. The alpine pasture have also lost their productive
capacity under the pressure of the nomadic graziers. The carrying
capacity of all typed of pasture lands does not exceed more than 2
to 3 Himalayan stock units (1 HSU = 1 adult sheep) against the
prevalent grazing intensity of 7 to 8 HSU.
Massive urbanization upholds more and more wildlife habitats. In
Kashmir, 6652 villages are turning up as towns, 121 community blocks
as major towns, 16 towns as mega towns and out of 14 district
headquarters, two as metropolis. Srinagar, Capital City of Kashmir,
had an total area of 210 sq.kms few years back to present 314 sq.
kms. Thus dissolving every area in its vicinity, whether protected
or reserved into the so called metropolis of Kashmir, International
Royal Spring Golf Course, Green belt along National Park Dachigam,
Hokersar wetland, Dal Lake are the big examples to start with,
putting wildlife under immense stress and disturbance, consequences,
triggering direct wildlife human conflicts.
Kashmir's economy is supported by tourism sector. 10 Million
tourists (both domestic and foreign) visit State during 2005, 9
million in Trikota hills through 2 Wildlife Reserve Areas and 1
million in Amarnath areas through 2 Wildlife Sanctuary, 2 Wildlife
Reserve Areas, besides habitat range of 1 National Park which of
course is beyond carrying capacity of such PA's. Infrastructure
expansion due to tourism activities have come up in once
inaccessible locations primarily meant for wild populations, besides
military installations in wilderland or in remote areas put wildlife
under stress and contributing to large scale human wildlife
conflicts in Kashmir.
Prey predation balance is on the verge of collapse in major areas of
Kashmir. Our wild animals are innocuous and harmless; these wild
innocents pose a threat neither to man nor to beast. Beasts of prey
like the leopard keep in check the population of herbivorous animals
who cause much demage to crops. But if such herbivorous animals are
killed for any excuse - protection of standing crops or commercial
profits of poaching, leopard have to fall back on human beings and
domestic cattle.
Help us in promoting mass awareness about ecological importance of
wildlife and sustainable development approach, community
participation with eco sensitization and documentation &
disseminating success stories.
seeking human
survival through wildlife protection... helping community to learn
to live with the wild animal .
We are committed
to serving both people and animals throughout the Western Himalaya.
Please feel free to contact the WHCM program for more information
about our program, to get help with a wildlife concern, or to find
out how you can get involved and make a difference for the wild
animals in your community.
eIEN South Asia
Western Himalaya Kashmir
WildAID KASHMIR
allowing threatened species to recover safe levels in Kashmir
esrokashmir.org
HOME
Welcome at
WAID
eIEN South Asia
Western Himalaya Kashmir
WildAID are now in Kashmir to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well being of both animal and people. Small, but effective, seeking to prevent further destruction of Kashmir's Wildlife and its habitat and level the playing field by infusing resources and broad-based support into campaigns to protect wildlife, captive-held animals, and biodiversity wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. WildAID Kashmir esro Kashmir Chapter sharing a vision of a world where wildlife and wild places are truly protected.
WILDLIFE HUMAN CONFLICT MGT. PROGRAMME
Helping Kashmiri community to reduce conflicts with wildlife
Because of its great diversity of habitat types, Kashmir is home to more wildlife species than most other states. It is literally impossible to live in this state without seeing or hearing wildlife on a daily basis. Many of these experiences are enjoyable; others are confrontational. Unpleasant encounters with our wild neighbors can result in human death, injury, or fear of injury, property damage, or minor nuisances.
As the human population continues to grow and we continue to develop the open space in our state, animals are constantly losing valuable habitat that is vital to their survival. Kashmir is familiar with the often unfortunate and inevitable conflicts that occur where people and animals inhabit the same areas. The WildAID Kashmir created the Wildlife Human Conflict Management Program to address these issues and to ensure that Kashmir remains on the forefront of progressive and humane management of its valuable wildlife species.
The WildAID Kashmir believes that all animals exist in a dynamic state of interdependence with their environment, and that no animal is inherently a "nuisance" or "pest" animal. However, because their habitats are increasingly altered or managed by humans, certain wild species–or individual animals–may, because of their number, natural behavior, or presence in an inappropriate location, pose a significant problem for or threat to humans, other animals, or the environment.
The WildAID Kashmir believes that before any measures are taken to control, translocate or destroy wild animals, a careful analysis of the animals’ behavior, environment, and the specific problem or threat posed must be conducted. Humane wildlife control measures should be implemented only when it is found that:
The presence of the animal unavoidably endangers human life or unnaturally threatens other animal life, either by acting as a vector for disease or by directly causing serious injury or death; or
The presence of the animal–because of its behavior and/or number–causes an unnatural and harmful impact on the environment; or
The presence of the animal–because of its behavior and/or number–causes serious and unavoidable problems for humans.
If control measures are implemented, the effects of these actions on the environment and other animals should also be evaluated in order to ensure the appropriateness, humaneness and long-term effectiveness of the program.
The WildAID Kashmir believes that wildlife control programs should employ the most humane and least intrusive means for addressing wildlife problems. Programs employing preventative steps are most desirable. In most instances, the most effective approach to wildlife control is manipulation of the environment–by such means as removal of food sources or prohibiting access–rather than moving or destroying animals.
Therefore, in order to encourage an understanding and appreciation of wildlife, and to promote humane and effective responses to conflicts with wildlife, the WHCM will:
Generate public awareness of wildlife behavior and of preventative measures that may be undertaken to avoid conflicts with wildlife;
Act as an educational and advisory resource to individuals and communities with wildlife questions or problems; and
Encourage state wildlife agencies to develop comprehensive wildlife programs that specifically address prevention of and humane solutions to wildlife problems.
WHCM program mission is to provide the protection of wild species, now and in the future. To that end, the program promotes harmonious and peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife in urban, suburban, and rural Kashmirs' communities through helping to resolve human-animal conflicts in a humane, long-term, and cost-effective manner.
Prevent Conflicts with Wildlife Before They Occur
Enjoy wild animals from a distance.
Never handle or attempt to pet or feed wildlife.
Do not keep wildlife as pets.
Use secure-fitting lids on garbage cans that are outside. Keep your trashcans in a closed garage or shed.
Supervise outdoor feedings of pets, and clean the area well afterward. If possible, do not feed pets outside.
Keep cats indoors and supervise domesticated pets when outside at all times.
Be sure your dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
Regularly clean outdoor grills.
If you keep a bird feeder, clean up spilled seed to avoid attracting other forms of wildlife.
Keep your home in good repair.
Secure chimneys with a chimney cap and cover dryer vents.
If you think a wild animal may be sick or injured, contact your local Wildlife official or Police Department.
Some of our frustrations with wildlife can be alleviated by simply learning why a situation occurs. Others require more action-oriented prevention and control techniques e.g.
Natural resources and village assets map
Map of depredation “hotspots” and seasonal pastures
Calendar of seasonal livestock movements and daily herding cycle
Seasonal calendar of depredation losses (shows peak depredation periods)
Pasture ranking with respect to depredation and other losses
Pair-wise matrix ranking of major sources of livestock mortality
Ranking of different guarding measures
Income and livelihood ranking matrix
Semi-structured interviews to assess predation causes and patterns, along with possible remedial actions
Venn diagram showing village institutions affecting livestock production & management
Village or pasture walk to obtain first-hand understanding of livestock management practices and issues
As with any wildlife population, objectives and attitudes of landowners, land managers, resource users, and the general public will determine if wild animals are considered an asset or a liability. Human attitudes will ultimately determine whether or not wild animals can survive.
What to do about Orphaned, Injured, and Sick Wildlife
Highways and Wildlife: Problems and Solutions
If you Encounter a Bear
Fragile Kashmir Let the Fact Speaks Itself
Developmental Activities & Habitat fragmentation
Surface communication in Kashmir division has attracted the ever increasing vehicular population to drive even in remote areas (168161 civil vehicles, 50000 army vehicles, ≥1 lac tourist vehicles) operating along road length of 7986.13 kms, besides rail track length of 262 kms bisecting every wildlife sancturaries and the new to the list is Heerpur & Baltal wildlife sanctuaries.
Mega hydel power projects like Salal 690 MW on Chenab basin and Uri I 480 MW on Jhelum basin had proved to be detrimental to the wildlife of Kashmir. The new mega projects having potential of large scale habitat fragmentation include Baglihar I& II 900 MW, Sawlakote 1200 MW, Kishanganga 330 MW, Burser 1020 MW, Pakaldul 1000 MW, Uri II 240 MW, Kirthai 600 MW, Naunatoo Naigarh 400 MW.
Kashmir Wildlife They are innocuous
Prey predation balance is on the verge of collapse in major areas of Kashmir. Our wild animals are innocuous and harmless; these wild innocents pose a threat neither to man nor to beast. Beasts of prey like the leopard keep in check the population of herbivorous animals who cause much demage to crops. But if such herbivorous animals are killed for any excuse - protection of standing crops or commercial profits of poaching, leopard have to fall back on human beings and domestic cattle.
The alpine pasture have also lost their productive capacity under the pressure of the nomadic graziers. The carrying capacity of all typed of pasture lands does not exceed more than 2 to 3 Himalayan stock units (1 HSU = 1 adult sheep) against the prevalent grazing intensity of 7 to 8 HSU.
wildlife rescue and rehabilitation HOTLINE
RWW 2452429 (0194 Srinagar Code)
Your Call can Help one animal to live long
We believe that You CAN make a difference!
Public perception of the Kashmiri's carnivores will be partially dependent on immediate and effective responses by wildlife professionals to reported conflicts. Wild animals may be killed by individuals who are unaware of solutions to simple problems, who feel that no effective solution for their particular conflict exists, or who think that no one cares.
Because the numerous wildlife species of Kashmir are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, killing wild animal within the historic range of the subspecies carries central and state penalties that can include heavy fines, suspension of hunting privileges, and jail time. Informing the public about potential conflicts and available solutions is an important strategy in the overall restoration effort.
In general, conflicts between humans and wildlife can be addressed by either managing the animals involved in the conflict, manipulating the resource being damaged, or by placing a physical or psychological barrier between the conflicting resource and wildlife species. Due to the legal status of wild animals , conflict resolution will rely heavily on non-lethal damage control techniques, such as barriers, capture and aversive conditioning, and resource management strategies. Destruction of offending animals will only be considered if human health and safety is jeopardized and all other measures have failed. Ideal management plans should emphasize conflict prevention and, when problems arise, the implementation of practical solutions.
Hunting is often recommended as a damage control tool because it reduces wildlife populations and associated problems to acceptable levels and elicits human-avoiding behavior in the hunted species. Legal harvest may become part of the overall management plan for many carnivore's in the future. Until the subspecies is recovered, however, hunting is not considered a management option. Biologists will need to determine that restoration efforts have been successful, the harvestable surplus, and the maximum density of wild carnivore that will be tolerated by the public before bear hunting will be permitted.
Trapping and releasing them far from their capture site is called relocation. Relocating can cause them to roam over large areas in search of familiar surroundings. Kashmir wild animals have an excellent homing instinct, and will attempt to find their way back to familiar territory, e.g Bears have been documented traveling up to 400 miles from relocation sites. This increases their susceptibility to being killed by vehicles along roads or by humans who perceive a threat to their own safety. Because of the stress and increased human interaction, relocated bears have a reduced chance of survival. In addition, moving a problem animal from one area to another can potentially bring a nuisance to the new area. Consequently, bears involved in conflicts with humans should be left in their established territory whenever possible. Nuisance behavior can be altered through live trapping, conditioning, and releasing bears into the same general area. This can be accomplished by using the bear’s intelligence and quick learning ability to “teach” bears to stop nuisance behavior. This is referred to as aversive conditioning.
Barriers preventing access may totally eliminate some ongoing problems and offer the greatest immediate relief from conflicts that arise. Barriers, in most cases, are both economically and technically feasible to install and are considered a viable option for controlling many types of bear-related damage. Solar-powered electric fencing for bee yards, for example, is an extremely effective bear deterrent.
Management of the resources being damaged or threatened is also applicable to our goal of effectively managing wild human conflicts. In some cases, conflicts may be avoided by keeping susceptible resources away from wild habitat or by removing attractants that lure animal to those resources.
WHCM Programme, initiative of WildAID Kashmir, is to minimize the conflicts between wild and the people. Important element at WHCMP strategy is awareness.
We better know the need to preserve and protect our wildlife. Sometimes we come across conflicting situation when wildlife starts causing immense damage and danger to man and under such conditions it becomes very difficult for the wildlife department to pacify the affected villagers and gain support for wildlife conservation. Infact more killings are done by locals than by poachers.
Causes of Human Wildlife Conflicts
Dwindling habitat due to shrinking forests cover compels them to move outside forests and attack human's and its livestock & standing crops.
Usually ill, weak and injured animals have a tendency to attack
Very often the villagers put electric wiring around their ripe crops or livestock home , animal gets injured, suffer in pain and turn violent.
Wildlife corridors through which the wild animal used to migrate seasonally in groups to other areas, are being locally occupied by the human settlements and at large scale Indo Pak line of control is now electric fenced thus forcing wild animal to react .
About 45 % of the mammalian diversity of the state is listed as globally threatened in IUCN Red Data List and 34 % is included in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This gives an indication of the status of animals found in the State and the conservation value of the State. There are many species facing similar threats but do not find mention in either list. One can cote both the species of hamster as an example. Although these species occur in abundance locally, there numbers are being gradually reduced due to indiscriminate trapping for their fur value. There are several species of animals which have either been wiped out completely or are on the verge of local extinction due to shelling, landmines, forest fires, hunting pressures, grazing competition with domestic live stock and poaching. Besides these, unfortunately a new chapter has been opened in Kashmir, having potential to wipe out the whole wildlife population in and around valley - wildlife-human conflicts.
The recorded forest area in the State occupies only 20182 sq. km i.e 19.95 % of its 222235 sq. km geographical area. As per the National Forest Policy, 1988 , hilly regions like that of Jammu & Kashmir should aim at a forest cover of 66 %. Further, about 46 % of the reported cover is between crown density of 10- 40 % , leaving only about 11000 sq km of good forest with crown density of more than 40 %. Despite blanket ban on green felling by Supreme Court, 5360000 Cft firewood / timber is annually commercialized. Forest Conservation Act ( 1997 ) strictly prohibits diversion of any forest area to non forestry sector. However ever since 1997 Forest Conservation Act, 3815.416 ha forest area has been diverted. Forests encroachments is ever increasing issue of Kashmir forests particularly in South circle ; range Anantnag 1065 , Lidder 296 , Shopian 768, JV 197 hectare has been encroached. Similarly in North circle ; Kamraj 737 , Langate 542 , Kehmil 1070 and in Srinagar circle ; Badipora 270 , Pirpanjal 890 , and Sind 230 hectares of forest land has been encroached.
Kashmir is predominantly an agriculture economy with total cultivable area of 7.48 and gross sown area of 11.15 lac hectares, roughly 80% rural population directly or indirectly depends on agriculture and allied sectors. However, the Valley falls in the, mountainous Agriculture zone and therefore has a limited cultivable area. The average size of holding in the state is 0.76 hectares and about 85% farmers are in the categories of small and marginal farmers. The State is facing deficit production of around 25% in food grain, 70% in oil seed production and about 40% in vegetable production, coupled with Annual growth of 2.9%. People inside forests and in its vicinity tend to increase their agriculture land or construct structures thereon. In recent past, the tendency showed an increase, resulting in direct wildlife human conflicts.
Wild habitat destruction or defragmentation is main case of the present fate of our wild life population. It is felt that despite the presence of numerous laws aimed at conservation and protection of forest resource this natural wealth is deteriorating in quality and density owing to human(100.70 lac as on 2001) and live stock population explosion (As per census of 2001 total livestock population in Kashmir division is 40 lacs besides poultry of 44.66 lac ), overgrazing impeding regeneration, diversion of forest land for non forestry purpose, encroachment (In Pirpanjal Forest Division alone (Kashmir) 890 hectare has been encroached so for) and urbanization ( Salim Ali National Park converted into International Royal Spring Golf Course - Srinagar ), forest fires, traditional affinity for forest biomass, lack of sufficient alternatives, poor socio economy, low literacy, education and awareness, heavy smuggling due to political unrest (so for 58 forest officers-officials including conservator of forester fell to the bullets in the harness during the insurgency), the forest cover has been reduced.
With animal husbandry being the mainstay of a large percentage of the people of the state, pressure of grazing in the state is far beyond the production capacity of pasturelands of all types and is adversely affecting the natural regeneration of the forests. The total area available for grazing in the state is estimated to be 12787 sq km which works out to be 9.02% of the total geographic area. The pastures of trans-Himalayas are not included in this assessment. High altitude steppe grasslands of Ladakh cover an estimated area of 3900 to 40000 sq km. Extensive free grazing is pastoral and nomadic graziers in this area due to poor density of vegetation. The alpine pasture have also lost their productive capacity under the pressure of the nomadic graziers. The carrying capacity of all typed of pasture lands does not exceed more than 2 to 3 Himalayan stock units (1 HSU = 1 adult sheep) against the prevalent grazing intensity of 7 to 8 HSU.
Massive urbanization upholds more and more wildlife habitats. In Kashmir, 6652 villages are turning up as towns, 121 community blocks as major towns, 16 towns as mega towns and out of 14 district headquarters, two as metropolis. Srinagar, Capital City of Kashmir, had an total area of 210 sq.kms few years back to present 314 sq. kms. Thus dissolving every area in its vicinity, whether protected or reserved into the so called metropolis of Kashmir, International Royal Spring Golf Course, Green belt along National Park Dachigam, Hokersar wetland, Dal Lake are the big examples to start with, putting wildlife under immense stress and disturbance, consequences, triggering direct wildlife human conflicts.
Kashmir's economy is supported by tourism sector. 10 Million tourists (both domestic and foreign) visit State during 2005, 9 million in Trikota hills through 2 Wildlife Reserve Areas and 1 million in Amarnath areas through 2 Wildlife Sanctuary, 2 Wildlife Reserve Areas, besides habitat range of 1 National Park which of course is beyond carrying capacity of such PA's. Infrastructure expansion due to tourism activities have come up in once inaccessible locations primarily meant for wild populations, besides military installations in wilderland or in remote areas put wildlife under stress and contributing to large scale human wildlife conflicts in Kashmir.
Prey predation balance is on the verge of collapse in major areas of Kashmir. Our wild animals are innocuous and harmless; these wild innocents pose a threat neither to man nor to beast. Beasts of prey like the leopard keep in check the population of herbivorous animals who cause much demage to crops. But if such herbivorous animals are killed for any excuse - protection of standing crops or commercial profits of poaching, leopard have to fall back on human beings and domestic cattle.
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