Human-wildlife conflict

A nine year old girl was mauled to death by a leopard at Samsan area of Budgam district on Monday evening. The local residents told media that the wild animal was spotted several times in the area during last few days. It had killed some livestock animals.

The officials of Wildlife Protection Department were informed about the movement of the leopard. The residents added that the officials placed a cage in the area to trap the  wild animal but no bait was kept inside it.

On Monday evening the leopard again entered into the area and mauled to death the girl. This is the first such incident this year in Kashmir. Last year several persons including minor children were killed in attacks by  leopards in different areas particularly in north Kashmir. The incidents caused panic in the areas.

Some leopards were captured also. In view of the increase in the incidents of human-wildlife conflict,  the wildlife protection department needs to be strengthened further. As per reports the department is facing shortage of manpower.

Because of the problem sometimes the officials are not able to reach the spot immediately. When they reach and camp in one area then there are reports of spotting of the wild animal in neighbouring areas. People in such areas also demand visit of such teams.

The officials should be provided adequate number of cages and other equipment to deal with the problem. When a wild animal is spotted in an area, the local people must follow the advisory being issued by the concerned department. Following the advisory helps in saving the lives.

The increasing human intervention into the habitats of wildlife is giving rise to the human-wildlife conflict. Constructing of structures and roads in such areas disturbs the wildlife. Development is important but not at the cost of wildlife.

The wild animals should be allowed to live in their habitats without any disturbance. Once they are distributed they move towards residential areas. In residential areas the stray dogs are their easy prey. And sometimes they also attack the residents, particularly the minor children.

There is a need to  put an end to the increasing dog population. Some people thrown leftover food in their neighborhood attracting the dogs. The leopards also reach such areas in search of dogs and human beings also become targets.