This article has been published in partnership with Rainmatter Foundation.
In India, humans and animals have shared spaces for centuries, coexisting in a delicate balance that reflects our deep connection with nature. However, as rapid urbanisation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change disrupt this harmony, these interactions l are turning strained, often leading to conflict. Beginning to understand the many species that we share our landscapes with, and how organisations and citizens across the country are finding innovative, collaborative and impactful ways to ensure better coexistence, can be the beginning of building new narratives around shared spaces.
Highlighting these success stories is crucial, as they provide a blueprint for the future, showing that coexistence is not just possible but essential.
To shine a light on these solutions, The Better India partnered with Rainmatter Foundation — a non-profit by Zerodha dedicated to climate action, environmental health, and sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing human-wildlife conflicts requires a multi-pronged approach, involving community-led conservation, government-supported habitat restoration, and collaboration with organisations focused on conflict mitigation. Implementing effective land-use practices to reduce habitat fragmentation, along with promoting sustainable agriculture, livestock insurance, and alternative livelihood options, can help ease the socio-economic pressures on communities while fostering a more tolerant coexistence with wildlife.
To spark a broader conversation and emphasise the urgent need for action, we spotlight four key species and seven organisations leading the way. Their work offers hope and a roadmap for a future where humans and wildlife can live together in harmony.
Living with elephants: Transforming conflict zones into beacons of coexistence
India is home to over 30,000 Asian elephants, but human-animal conflicts continue to be a growing concern as shrinking habitats push these majestic creatures closer to human populations. This forced proximity leads to a rise in human-elephant conflicts.
The 222 deaths (153 humans and 69 elephants) between 1980 and 2020 in Karnataka’s Bannerghatta-Hosur landscape present an unsettling example. In Valparai, 48 lives have been lost since 1994, while Chhattisgarh has seen over 4,000 incidents of crop damage and 20 human fatalities since 2019.
Yet, there is hope. Here’s a look at how organisations like the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), A Rocha India, and Wildlife SOS are leading efforts to mitigate these conflicts. These efforts have significantly reduced human casualties, with deaths dropping from 20 per year to 10 in Chhattisgarh and to zero in Valparai.
If you feel called to contribute to this mission, consider becoming a ‘Friend of A Rocha’ — reach out at india@arocha.org or volunteer with Wildlife SOS at volunteer@wildlifesos.org.
Living with leopards: Creating a safe space in the city of dreams
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai is home to the world’s highest density of leopards. Nearly 2,50,000 residents live alongside these elusive predators, creating a complex interplay between human and wildlife interactions.
However, as Mumbai expanded, the boundaries between human and leopard territories blurred. Between 2002 and 2004, 24 people were attacked, leading to the relocation of 21 leopards — an effort that backfired, causing a 325% spike in attacks. Here’s how it is being addressed by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) India.
To get a glimpse of both humans and wildlife thriving in one of the world’s busiest metros, watch this video:
To support these efforts, consider getting involved — click here to take action.
Living with snakes: Steps to shed fear and coexist with a misunderstood group
A research paper published by eLife reveals that India, often referred to as the world’s ‘Snakebite Capital,’ recorded over 1.2 million deaths from snake bites between 2000 and 2019, averaging 58,000 per year. This staggering figure has fueled fear and misunderstanding about snakes.
Yet, coexistence with these reptiles is crucial, as they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Without snakes, rodent populations would surge, devastating crops and threatening food security.
To address this, The Liana Trust, in collaboration with Humane Society International and the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, is transforming fear into understanding.
If you wish to become part of the change, reach out to gerry@Lianatrust.org.
Lantana camara: From ecological threat to economic opportunity
Lantana camara, originally introduced as an ornamental plant, has proliferated quickly across India, choking native plants and disrupting ecosystems. Spreading over more than 13 million hectares, it has threatened biodiversity and fueled conflicts between humans and wildlife.
However, organisations like the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) and The Shola Trust are turning this challenge into an opportunity. Here’s how:
Every piece of Lantana furniture you purchase not only transforms an ecological threat into a beautiful work of art but also helps protect forests in South India. To play your part, contact hari@atree.org or visit Lantana Crafts.
These initiatives pave the way for sustainable coexistence between humans and non-human species, highlighting the importance of understanding our natural heritage and the species we share it with. Rooted in specific parts of India, they offer valuable lessons that can be adapted nationwide, serving as models for addressing human-wildlife conflict through education, technology, and community involvement. Expanding these efforts could minimise conflicts, preserve ecosystems, and support livelihoods while maintaining environmental balance.
Peaceful coexistence is our responsibility — and the key to a future where both humans and wildlife thrive side by side.
Edited by Pranita Bhat
No comments:
Post a Comment