At a time when man and big cat conflict is at its peak in the country, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh has shown the way on how this menace can be controlled. From more than 11 human deaths in 2009-10, the figures have come down to two in 2012-2013.
The worst has been recently witnessed in Maharashtra near Tadoba-Andheri Tiger Reserve in Chandrapura district where eight incidents of human deaths have been reported in the month of April alone in leopard and tiger attacks.
As per the official figures, Dudhwa has shown a consistent decline in incidents of man animal conflict since the past few years. In 2010-11, there were nine human deaths, which came down to seven the following year.
Enthused by the lowest ever figure of two human deaths, in 2012-13, Field Director Shailesh Prasad said that this sharp drop rate in man animal conflict in the region is attributed to improved habitat and prey base management. This reduces straying of both ungulates and predators outside the forest. To add to the above there is also coordination and cooperation of local villagers residing in the fringe villages of the reserve.
According to experts, the straying of animals outside the forest largely occurs in search of food and water. Hence, with the improvement of grasslands, availability of water and other accompanying conditions there is bound to be increase in the number of ungulates/prey species, which in turn reduces the chances of straying of tigers/ leopards to human landscapes.
As per the last report of Wildlife Trust of India, the numbers of prey base including spotted deer, wild boars, swamp deer, hog deer, barking deer, langoors, have increased. The report further points to a healthy tiger density of 7.88, with a population of above 100.
“Whenever a local villager gives us information of any pug marks seen outside the forest area in the vicinity of villages, we act instantly”, said Prasad.
The problem area is cordoned off and Primary Response team comprising of villagers from eco development committees and forest department is kept on alert.
Tracking elephants are used to detect the straying big cat which is then handled by the members of Rapid Action Team. This has a biologist, vet doctor, forest personnel besides local villagers who are active in the eco development committees.
Further, nearly 19 villages around the reserve have been delineated as vulnerable, where there is intensive patrolling. Awareness camps are organized from time to time, whereby the villagers are apprised of the dos and don’ts of handling such situations.
Since leopards are not known to attack persons in groups, they are advised not to venture out alone especially at nights. If a big cat is known to have strayed to the nearby sugar cane fields, burning of crackers etc in the area confines the anima, minimising chances of encounter.