National Strategy Launched to Mitigate Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict and Protect Endangered Species
India is facing a deepening crisis of human-wildlife conflict, with habitat fragmentation forcing animals like elephants into human-dominated landscapes. Between 2009 and 2021, 186 elephants were killed by train hits alone. In response, the Centre has rolled out the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan. This strategy focuses on addressing key drivers like damaged corridors and retaliatory killings through data-driven monitoring and stronger habitat protection. The article also notes the catastrophic decline of vulture species due to habitat disruption and poisoning, leading to public health risks from rotting carcasses and rising stray dog populations.
Key Points
- Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha report the highest number of elephant casualties on railway tracks in India.
- The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy aims to promote mitigation measures and data-driven monitoring.
- Habitat fragmentation is a primary driver of animals straying into farmland and towns, leading to deaths on both sides.
- The decline of scavengers like vultures has led to an increase in stray dogs and associated health risks like rabies.
Exam Facts
- 186 elephants were killed by trains in India between 2009 and 2021.
- Assam (62), West Bengal (57), and Odisha (27) are the top states for elephant rail casualties.
- The strategy was developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
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