SRINAGAR: In Kashmir, the frequency of encounters between humans and wildlife has risen sharply, resulting in an average of one death every month, according to recent government data. Over the past 18 years, more than 270 people have lost their lives, and over 3,200 others have sustained injuries due to these incidents, marking a grim trend in man-animal conflicts across the region.
Official records show that the problem is intensifying. During the 2020-21 period, five people were killed in such conflicts, but that number doubled to 10 the following year, then rose to 14 in 2022-23, and reached 16 in 2023-24. Reports also indicate an alarming increase in non-fatal encounters, with injuries jumping from 87 to 181 over the same period.
The surge in encounters is largely attributed to bears and leopards leaving their shrinking habitats in search of food, frequently venturing into villages and towns. These interactions, often involving attacks on livestock and, occasionally, humans, have become almost daily occurrences.
“The main reasons include expanding human settlements, habitat fragmentation, and an increase in the stray dog population, which attracts predators like leopards. We’re also seeing leopards breeding closer to human habitats,” explained a senior official from the Wildlife Department. However, he cautioned that not every encounter should be seen as a ‘conflict’ unless there are injuries or damages, suggesting that some incidents might better be described as man-animal ‘interactions.’
The Wildlife Department has issued advisories urging residents to adopt preventive measures to minimise these encounters, but the lack of adequate protective gear is a concern. Officials highlight the need for safety equipment—such as shields, chest plates, helmets, and shin guards—especially for those engaged in wildlife rescue and containment efforts.
Experts attribute this growing crisis to several factors, including climate change, land use shifts, and unchecked construction near forests. “Wild animals have their own familial structures and populations, yet human encroachment continues to disrupt their habitats,” said another wildlife official, who emphasised the necessity for buffer zones between settlements and forests. “We often find ourselves rescuing wild animals from unexpected places, even in urban areas of Kashmir.”
As the frequency and severity of these encounters rise, officials and wildlife experts agree that immediate action is necessary. Beyond short-term measures, long-term planning that includes habitat preservation, community awareness, and safer interactions with wildlife is essential to address this pressing issue. (With KINS inputs)
