It has been over 14 years since the Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) strategy document was implemented, and over the years Bhutan has recorded an increasing number of threats from wildlife.
Looking at the overall reports till now, our conservationists appear to be taking a cautious approach to these issues. But the economic loss brought about by crop loss undoubtedly discourages our farmers from continuing farming—not to forget the farmers in Khandothang who stopped growing betelnuts and agricultural produce over time due to the risk from wild elephants.
Studies recognise that wild animals threaten farmers’ daily sustenance in and adjacent to protected areas through livestock depredation, crop damage, and loss of lives.
The HWC is hindering Bhutan's goal of food self-sufficiency and putting the conservation programmes at risk.
Here, I write about the voices of our farmers. A significant proportion of households observed to have experienced increasing HWC events in the last decade. Farmers attribute several reasons for the increase but the most frequently mentioned were: a decrease in forest cover with the major activities falling towards biological corridors, a ban on shifting cultivation; strict forest policies that support animals over human lives, prohibiting hunting animals; and religious sentiments.
Looking at the overall measures, some gewogs started measures of vermicomposting on waste and chain-linked fencing, use of heavy machines and fireworks - while some dzongkhags are chasing animals away—while some remain helpless.
The measures taken are short-lived. The issue of human-wildlife conflict has existed since the early days and a more profound measure is a must.
(image credit: Lhakpa Quendren)
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