Ecosystem service enhancement for the alleviation of wildlife-human conflicts in the Aravalli Hills, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Conflict between people and ecosystem capacity is a global problem, and achievement of wildlife-human co-existence a strategic global need. Apex predators suffer disproportionately, including conflicts with human activities. Recovery of formerly declining predator populations, particularly India's Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), increases potential human conflict. Habitat conversion for arable production and proliferation of non-native tree species increases likelihood of conflict between wildlife, people and stock in villages in the Amlidha buffer zone between core areas of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Arresting and reversing landscape conversion in targeted zones can reduce potential wildlife-human conflict by regenerating ecosystem capacity, enabling coexistence of a 'green corridor' for terrestrial wildlife migration, a 'blue corridor' for movement of riverine wildlife, and sustainable human livelihoods. This can be achieved through informed and consensual community-based zoning of land uses, management of non-native species and regeneration of local water resources. Conversely, continuing habitat simplification will decrease ecosystem vitality and services, increasing wildlife-human conflict and insecurities. Transition to multifunctional ecosystem management doesn't require wholesale change; elective, consensual adjustments can enhance socio-ecological security. Initiatives by the NGO Tiger Watch involving village people, whose willing engagement is essential for sustainable management, support potential achievement simultaneous wildlife conservation and human benefits.

Assessing the distribution pattern of otters in four rivers of the Indian Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

“…The otter conservation education programmes conducted during this study resulted in a proposal to set up a CBCI to monitor and report otter sightings from the area. Civil society engagement approaches of this type can potentially represent a way forward for achieving simultaneous community‐based otter conservation and associated ecosystem benefits for local communities (Everard et al, ; Gupta, ). Providing this critical information to decision‐makers in influential bodies, at national and international levels, will help to promote the development of an otter conservation programme for Uttarakhand and other similar regions.…”

“…The otter conservation education programmes conducted during this study resulted in a proposal to set up a CBCI to monitor and report otter sightings from the area. Civil society engagement approaches of this type can potentially represent a way forward for achieving simultaneous community-based otter conservation and associated ecosystem benefits for local communities (Everard et al, 2017;Gupta, 2013).…”

Assessing the feasibility of integrating ecosystem-based with engineered water resource governance and management for water security in semi-arid landscapes: A case study in the Banas catchment, Rajasthan, India

“…Migratory fish species, particularly mahseer (Tor spp. ), have been long known from the Chambal River (TWFT, 1984;Desai, 2003) and the reach of the lower Banas running through the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (Everard et al, 2017) as well as sampled from Bagara Dam and an upstream section of the South Banas…”

“…This has potentially significant ramifications for riparian communities and their livelihoods. Forest Department, 1990) and in contributing to potential wildlife-human conflicts (Everard et al, 2017).…”

“…Visits to the lower Banas in Amblidha where it transects the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve are documented in Everard et al (2017). Visits by the senior author took place in April 2016 and April 2017, with other co-authors (in particular Khandal and Sahu) visiting and working in communities and habitat throughout the lower river reach on a routine basis.…”