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

Everard, Mark; Khandal, Dharmendra; Sahu, Y. K.

Abstract

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. 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 of simultaneous wildlife conservation and human benefits.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 7, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Mar 18, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Mar 10, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 18, 2018
• Journal: Ecosystem Services
• Print ISSN: 2212-0416
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Pages: 213-222
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2017.03.005
• Keywords: tiger, ranthambhore, conflict, conservation, livelihoods, community
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/890013
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2017.03.005
• Additional Information: Corporate Creators : University of the West of England, Tiger Watch, Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
• Contract Date: Mar 10, 2017