Assam’s Innovative Initiative to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict Near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

GUWAHATI: In a significant move to address the recurring issue of human-wildlife conflict, Assam has introduced Anti-Depredation Squads (ADS) in areas surrounding the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon.

This initiative, launched in partnership with the conservation organization Aranyak, seeks to safeguard both human lives and wildlife by minimizing instances of animals straying into human settlements. 

The Forest Department, in collaboration with Aranyak, formally established 13 Anti-Depredation Squads on Sunday. These groups consist of rural villagers who are farmers and anyone else directly affected by wild animals' presence.

Because the community members are from the local setting where these animals can easily be accessed, this program encourages coownership and collaboration in taming the problems.

Basically, their main role in these groups is to offer protection for farmlands and human homes from incursions made by animals that include rhinos, buffaloes, wild boars, and jackals during their random invasions to human spaces.

An important element of this program is that the skills and knowledge regarding handling of wildlife safely and humanely are imparted to ADS members.

As a part of this exercise, participants were given self-defense training at the meeting venue- Interpretation Hall, Pobitora Wildlife Range.

They were also taught the behavior and characteristics of different animals so that they could handle the conflicts efficiently and guide the stray animals back to the forest without any harm. Pranjal Baruah, Forest Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, said the program was participatory in nature and local communities empowered through skill development.

The training session was attended by 57 local participants and also included key stakeholders, such as Forest Department officials, frontline staff from the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, and representatives from Aranyak's Rhino Conservation Division. This presence of leaders emphasized the collaborative spirit of the initiative.

Aranyak also facilitated the Anti-Depredation Squads by providing vital equipment like winter jackets, raincoats, and rechargeable torches. The latter is highly useful during the winter season, as they respond promptly to emergencies under adverse conditions.

The introduction of Anti-Depredation Squads is an important juncture in the ongoing process of bringing out human needs and those of wild animals into balance with each other.

The initiative aims to reduce conflicts while preserving biodiversity by involving local communities and fostering a shared responsibility for conservation.

This program addresses immediate challenges but also acts as a model for other similar efforts in other parts of Assam and elsewhere, demonstrating the potential of inclusive conservation practices to create harmony between people and nature.

ALSO READ:

ALSO WATCH: