Local bodies identified as human-wildlife conflict zones in Kerala under risk assessment
Kerala's Forest Department has mapped 273 local bodies as human-wildlife conflict zones, with nine classified as very high risk. The government plans to increase compensation for victims of wildlife attacks by 50% and introduce new insurance schemes for residents in forest fringe areas.
Why it matters
Addressing human-wildlife conflict is essential for both biodiversity conservation and the safety and livelihoods of rural populations living near forest boundaries.
The Forest department has identified 273 local bodies as human-wildlife conflict zones in the State.
A preliminary assessment that has mapped panchayats and municipalities in terms of the risks associated with wildlife incursions and attacks has classified nine local bodies as very high conflict-prone areas, 21 as high and the remaining 243 as medium conflict-prone zones.
The local bodies identified as facing the highest risk are Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery Municipalities in Wayanad; Kuttampuzha and Mankulam panchayats in Idukki; and Noolpuzha, Panamaram, Thavinhal, Thirunelly and Thondernad panchayats in Wayanad.
The department is conducting a detailed ground-level assessment of various factors to finalise the classification and strengthen targeted mitigation measures in these areas.
Twelve forest landscapes across Kerala have been identified to pinpoint exact conflict zones, target resource efficiency and preserve natural wildlife migration paths.
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