Controlled fire a tool to mitigate human-animal conflicts, say tribespeople

A view of the natural grassland after the eco-restoration project at Pazhathottam in Anamudi Shola National Park under Munnar wildlife division in Idukki.
| Photo Credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY

As the Kerala Forest department continues with its efforts to mitigate the increasing human-animal conflict in the State, the tribespeople have suggested using controlled fire as a tool to maintain biodiversity and forest ecosystems.

The Forest department, in association with the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and the Scheduled Tribe Development department, has launched an initiative called “Gothrabheri” to explore tribal wisdom to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Under the project, a series of seminars were hosted in Thiruvananthapuram, Wayanad, and Idukki to facilitate discussions between the Forest department and representatives from tribal hamlets.

According to tribespeople, lack of food availability inside the forests leads to wild animals straying into human habitations.

Ensuring food availability

“Controlled fire in grasslands, a vital habitat for herbivores, plays a crucial role in maintaining food availability. Periodic burning of grasslands, ideally every three years, is essential for regenerating grasslands and promoting nutritious forage for herbivores. The controlled fires during summer stimulate fruiting in trees like Emblica and Punna, etc., enhancing fruit production during rainy season. This, in turn, attracts various wildlife species, such as gaur, wild boar, and other herbivores, to feed on these fruits,” observed tribal representatives during a meeting held recently in Idukki.

“Controlled burning is typically associated with reduced wild boar incidence in their hamlets,” they said.

“At its core, human-wildlife conflict revolves around competition for food. The persistent struggle for resources gradually escalates into more severe consequences, including cattle loss, human injury, and even loss of life. This underlying dynamic underscores the need for sustainable solutions that balance human needs with wildlife conservation, ultimately reducing the risk of conflicts and promoting coexistence,” said Gothrabheri State Nodal Officer Raju K. Francis.

According to officials, controlled burning of grasslands is carried out every year at Eravikulam National Park (ENP) in Munnar, the abode of Nilgiri thars, for the last 30 years. This ensures food security for the Nilgiri tahr,” said an official.

‘Remove alien species’

Additionally, the tribespeople demanded the immediate removal of alien trees such as acacia, eucalyptus, Senna, and wattle from the forests and their replacement with natural grasslands.

According to A.V. Raghu, Principal Scientist at KFRI, the tribespeople also pointed out that food and behavioural changes of wild animals need to be studied. “A study will be conducted about the food and behavioural changes,” he said. The KFRI will submit a detailed report to the Forest department about the recommendations.

Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G. Krishnan told The Hindu that the Forest department will incorporate the deep tribal knowledge into the management plan of the human-animal conflict mitigation. “After completing the Gothrabheri project, a workshop will be held at Thiruvananthapuram,” said Mr. Krishnan.