1

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION OUTSIDE PROTECTED AREAS IN ODISHA

ABHIMANYU BEHERA

Conservator of Forests (Planning)O/o- The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Odisha

Aranya Bhawan, Chandrasekharpur,

Bhubaneswar-23

Email: dasbehera@gmail.com

orissa.affn@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Protected Area are being created to provide inviolate habitat to our dwindling wildlife and

under wildlife protection Act 1972,four categories of protected Areas are included, National

Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves & Community reserves can be declared

under the said Act 1972 by the Government. However, recent trend of abundance and

congregation point towards a more flexible approach than declaring a certain stretch of area as

protected area demarcated with precise boundary sign post, while administrative boundaries of

these protected Areas are conspicuous now but the ecological boundary of the wildlife

abundance or congregation area is changing. More & more wildlife are straying out of the

notified protected Areas for better habitats. Conservation of wildlife outside the protected areas

has become a challenging task where impact of anthropogenic activities i.e. killing of animals

& birds, felling of tree cover, trading of animal products takes place. Beyond law enforcement,

discussions are made in this paper on the realm of traditional leadership in the village, rural

socioeconomics, and services of wildlife management by Government in the areas surrounding

the protected areas.This paper has been designed to involve local residents outside protected

areas in respect of wildlife protection & management activities. In addition to this, sustained

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yield uses of wildlife were adopted to recycle revenue shares into community development &

make the wildlife management financially self supporting.

Keywords: Habitat, Community, Participation, motivation, Economic development,

strategy, surveillance, Man animal conflict, corridor

INTRODUCTION:.

Odisha state has a long history of conservation where wildlife, water, landscape are

protected & utilized in a sustainable manner. During recent decades the forests & vegetation

have been converted into agricultural settlement & industrial activities has been accelerated.

However, the state possesses rich biodiversity which include more than 3000 species of plants,

20 species of amphibians, 110 species of reptiles, 473 species of birds and 86 species of

mammals. Three species of Indian crocodiles are naturally distributed in rivers, marshy lands

&estuaries. The state has also the largest nesting ground of endangered Olive Ridley turtles and

bird congregation in Chilika Lagoon become pride of Odisha. There is incidence of man-animal

conflicts in various parts of Odisha. Due to wildlife attack, the human being are loosing their

lives. In certain areas like kamakshyanagar in Dhenkanal District, the forests are regenerating

as a result of people‟s participation. Elephants are moving towards such new areas after very

long gap. Depredation occurs where people fall easy victims since they did not have an

elephant neighbour in their recent memory or they don't have idea about how to live with wild

animals. In case of Chilika lagoon beyond protected area a large congregation of migratory

birds & resident birds takes place which leads towards a great challenge of Forest Department

to protect them from poachers. In Vetnoi in Ganjam District, the conservation of black buck in

private& community land could be possible due to their active participation. According to

experts, wildlife conservation in Odisha still faces several challenges like fragmented wildlife

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areas, increased human pressure, habitat degradation; proliferation of invasive species, man

animal conflicts, poaching and impacts of climate change. There is an explicit need for ensuring

better protection of wildlife outside the protected areas and initiating recovery programmes to

save critically endangered species & their habitats.

Objective:

1. Study of wildlife conservation outside protected areas along with ecologically &

economically feasible mode of conservation.

2. Developing an awareness on wildlife conservation among the villagers & creating belief

on their ability to contribute towards conservation of wildlife & to get benefits out of it.

3. Ensuring conservation of wildlife by adopting traditional and indigenous knowledge of

people..

4. Conserving biological diversity with help of people‟s participation which encompasses

all species of animals & plants of the locality.

5. Tackling disaster & veterinary emergencies in respect to conservation of wildlife.

Methodology

(1) Many discussions were held with community people, organization and individuals as

the natural habitat & scope to conserve it along with wildlife live in.

(2) The set of basic criteria for selection of sites to study is taken in this paper where

villagers have taken initiative on their own for conserving wildlife & its habitat. Study

areas i.e. Bhetnoi for conservation of endangered species black buck in Ghumsur South

Forest Division. Pakidi Hill for peacock conservation and Olive Ridley Marine turtle

rookery in Gokharkuda and Purunabandh area of Ganjam. Mangalajodi in Chilika for

migratory bird conservation in Khurda District forest fringe villages and forest areas

outside sanctuary areas of Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj District and Kuldiha-

Hadagarh elephant corridor in Balasore District of Odisha were selected.

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(3) During study, support from local NGOs, V.S.S., youth clubs, individuals, protection

committees was a major criterion.

(4) Through the following steps study was taken up

(a) Intensive field visit in the villages & interaction with experienced persons of the

locality who understand different aspects related to wildlife conservation & its

ethical values.

(b) Identification of user groups on the basis of livelihood activities in consonance with

wildlife protection.

Primary & secondary sources

(5) Information collected through primary & secondary sources, i.e. primary sources are

members having knowledge of conserving wildlife in Community and private land, and

local Government officials, Group discussion with villagers & group meetings

information were collected from secondary sources like reports, District gazetteers. To

gather information timeline on history of wildlife movement, & congregation areas &

history of wildlife protection & ranking of species was conducted. Compilation &

analysis of data was done.

Discussion and results

The paper is divided into two parts; first, the present status of the state and study areas

in respect of conservation of different wildlife species has been described. Second, analysis are

made on poverty alleviation, habitat, people, Biological attributes, man-animal conflicts and

tackling disasters, veterinary emergencies with regard to conservation of wildlife outside

protected areas in Odisha. This study has established as to how conservation of wildlife can be

ensured with the participation of local communities.

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A. Status of Odisha

Odisha is located on the each coast of the country having 155,177 km2 geographical areas

which constitute 4.74 % area of the country. The state is rich in natural resources like

forests, wildlife, mineral resources. the total population of this state is 41.95 million which

constitute 3.47% of the country‟s population of which the rural population constitutes

83.32% & urban population 16.68%. The population density is 269 persons per km2. The

livestock population is as per livestock census 2007 of the state is 23.06 million.The

recorded forest area of the state is 58136 km2

which is 37.34% of its geographical area. The

Similipal Tiger Reserve covers 2750 km2

& also forms a part of Similipal biosphere

Reserve. Chilika Lake which is one of the Asia‟s largest brakish water lake with an area of

0.11 million ha is Ramsarsite.Interference of forest canopy density classes, the state has

7060 km2

area under very dense forest 21366 km2 area under moderately dense forest and

20477 km2

area under open forest.The estimated tree cover in the state is 4301 km2 is 2.76

% of the geographical area of the state. The map Showing forest cover in Odisha is given at

figure I.

Fig 1.

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Conservation of Black Buck by community participation

The Black Buck (Antelope cervicapra) is commonly known as krushnasar or Baliharina or

Kalabalntia found under in areas under Aska&Buguda Range of Aska&BugudaTahasil

commonly known as Bhenoi-Balipadar black buck habitat situated within the longitude

19038‟ N to 19

051‟ N & Latitude 84

039‟ E to 84

008‟ E. The villagers came forward to

protect & conserve the black buck. People believe that these animals are a symbol of purity,

prosperity & good fortunes. A committee has been formed named as “Black Buck

Management Committee” involving 19 villages. In case of any death or injury the villagers

inform the local forest officials & help them to transport to local veterinary hospital for

treatment. The committee was awarded 1st “BijuPattanaik Award” for wildlife conservation

in the year 2005 for protection of Black Buck. The census of Black Buck in Ganjam District

has been conducted on 24.07.2011. The population of Black Buck from 2004 to 2011 given

in fig. 2.

Year Male Female Young Total

2004 212 487 87 786

2006 306 664 131 1101

2008 386 1107 180 1673

2011 544 1414 223 2181

Fig. 2

The landschedule of Buguda&AskaTahasil for proposed Black Buck Community Reserve

of Ghumsur South Division, Bhanjanagar is given fig 3.:

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No. of villages Name of the Range Extent of Area (in ha)

8 Nos Buguda Range 6992.223 Ac

11 Nos Aska Range 7410.602 Ac

19 Nos of villages to the extent of 14,402.825 Ac or 5831.103 ha (Private land 11430.685

acre and Govt. Land 2972.140 Acre

Fig. 3.

Peacock conservation at Pakidi Hill

The Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is our National bird coming under schedule-1 animal under the

wildlife protection Act 1972. The luxuriant species was attempted for their conservation for the

1st time in odisha at Pakidi DPF of Aska Forest Range of Ghumsur South Division. The local

community took initiative to protect the birds as they are commonly known as the harbringer of

rain & symbol of prosperity. Their belief turn them towards protection. This is thought to be

possible due to special love of weakness of local villagers & Lack of fear of poachers. The

Pakidi Forest Block constitute a scrub forests with degraded bamboo surrounded by more than

8 villages of Sheragada block namely-Chermaria, Sobhachandrapur, Kirtipur,

Pakidi&Khadabhaga. Besides the forest area, the colourful birds do not hesitate to come over to

the agricultural land & villages out of skirts of the adjacent villages in search of food & water.

Often water is supplied to the thirsty birds by local villagers in earthern pots hanging from tree

branches during the hot summer. The unique habitat is spread over 1970 ha of scrub forests of

Pakidi DPF of Aska Forest Range of Ghumsur South Division situated within the longitude

19033'N and latitude 84

041‟E. The population of peacock has been increased due to protection

by local community. At present, around 1000 nos are found concentrated in Pakidi Hill.

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Conservation Of Sea turtle At Rushikulya River Mouth In Odisha

In 1993 the nesting olive sea turtle at mouth of the Rushikulya River was learned by biologist

of Odisha Forest Department and WII, Dehradun. The

area is located in the Indian Ocean along the Bay of

Bengal in Odisha and one of the largest mass nesting

(arribada) sites of Olive Ridley sea turtle in India.

Olive Ridley sea turtle is a global concern. The sea

turtle is one of the integral part of global biodiversity

which has to be conserved.

Fig 4.

There is a great threat to the olive ridley sea turtle for propagating their population due to loss

of nesting habitat. This is due to growing population of stray dogs at nesting site. The

endangered Olive Ridley are extremely vulnerable to human exploitation and animal menance.

Since this area is outside protected area everybody has access to the area & conservation was

difficult. The nesting beach (rookery) along the coast spreads over six KM from the village

Purunabandha to Kantiagada village of Ganjam District. It was estimated during 1994 that

about 2,00,000 turtle to have nested in this rookery. In subsequent years there was a decline in

the number of turtles nesting at this rookery during 1994-95; 0.60 lakhs, 1995-96; 1.18 lakh,

1996-97; 0.25lakh, 1997-98; 0.085 lakh). There was no mass nesting in the rookery during

1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2002. However, during 2000-2001; 1.59 lakh of sea turtle had nested

at the rookery. The Photograph showing mass nesting is given in fig.4. The nesting of sea turtle

at Rushikulya river mouth from 2004-2005 to 2012-13 is cited in fiq.5 The Rushikulya Sea

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turtle Protection Committee has been working since 1998 in Protection & Conservation of sea

turtle with the assistance of the local youth.

Year Nesting

figure in No.

Period of Nesting Mortality Period of hatching

2004-05 89344 16-02-2005 to 20-02-2005 217 6-4-2005 to 11-4-2005

2005-06 198794 16-02-2006 to 23.02.2006 &

04.04.2006 to 07.04.2006

87 09.04-2006 to 17-04-

2006 & 22-05-2006 to

27-05-2006

2006-07 74 No Mass nesting 106 -

2007-08 180126 04-03-2008 to 10-04-2008 335 24-04-2008 to 30-04-

2008

2008-09 260698 14-02-2009 to 18-02-2009 94 04-04-2009 to 09-04-

2009

2009-10 156087 14.03.2010 to 19.03.2010 90 14-04-2010 to 09-04-

2010

2010-11 253292 03-04-2011 to 09-04-2011 108 22-04-2011 to 01-05-

2011

2011-12 100749 292-02-2012 to 09-04-2012 127 18-04-2012 to 30-04-

2012

2012-13 188117 12-02-2013 to 19-02-2013 128 06-04-2013 to 13-04-

2013

Fig. 5

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Conservation of House Sparrows (Paser domesticus)

The house sparrow had started vanishing from rural areas of Odisha is due to extensive use of

pesticides and declining number of thatched house that provided nests. It is indeed a matter of

concern that the population of at least six species of sparrow have been reported from Indian

Sub-continent. These include the Spanish sparrow (pasarhispaneolensis), sind sparrow (p.

pyrrhonotus), Eurasian tree sparrow (P. montanus), Russet or Cinnamon tree sparrow (p.

rutilans) and dead sea or Afagan scrub sparrow (P. moabiticus). The house sparrow evidently is

an exceptional „invador‟ of the tropics that has followed human worldwide. The conservation

effort at Purunabandha near Rushikulya mouth has shown results. Sparrow has again become

part of daily life at the village. They can be seen perching on the heads of children & elders.

They are now seen to be regular visitor at local grocery shops to have their grains. The

Rushikulya Sea turtle protection Committee (RSTPC) fias extended their activity from Sea

Turtle Protection to House Sparrow

conservation.

Birds Of Chilika Lagoon

Chilika is the largest brakishwater lagoon

in Indian subcontinent lies between 190

28‟

to 190

54‟N latitudes and 850

05‟ to 850

36‟

E Longitudes. Normally the lake covers an

area of 1055 sqkm but swells to 1165

sqkm during rain & gradually shrinks to

906 sqkm in summer season. The lagoon (fig. 6) is dotted with few Inslands including Nalaban

sanctuary which is submersible in nature. During rainy season it covers an area of 15.53 sqkm.

The chilika lagoon has been declared as one of the “Ramsar Sites” due to its wetland habitat

Fig 6

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which harbors varieties of plants, animals & birds. The lagoon nurtures migratory as well as

wetland dependent birds to the tunes of one million. The peak congregation period from mid-

December to mid-January. About 230 species of birds including 14 species of bird of prey

(32% aquatic, 22% waders and 46% terrestrial birds)are seen in the lake. Out of these 95

species approximately are intercontinental & local migrants. The migratory birds come from

remote parts of Russia, Central & South East Asia, Lake Baikal, Caspian Sea, Ladakh& the

Himalayas for feeding & roosting only. About 15 species of ducks & 2 species of geese (order:

Anseriforms) cover over 70% of the total migratory birds annually. Other than ducks &geess,

coots, rails & cranes (Gruiformes) cover 15%, waders or shoes birds (Charadriformes) covers

12%; pelican (pelecaniforms) cover 1.5%; grabes (podicipediforms) cover 1%, kites & eagles

etc. (Falconiforms) & kingfishers (Coraliformes) cover 0.5%. Most of the bird congregation

takes place outside the sanctuary area in North Western side of the Lagoon. Ringing & fitting

of satellite transmitter has been carried out to resolve the mystery associated with migration in

association with BNHS during 2008. Annual population density Estimation of Birds is carried

out within Lagoon during mid-Winter & the estimated figures are reproduced in fig. (7)

Year Estimated birds in

Sanctuary

Estimated Birds

outside Sanctuary

Total

2006-2007 198546 640983 839529

2007-2008 404900 487998 892898

2008-2009 513458 377355 890813

2009-2010 508051 416527 924578

2010-2011 382290 422162 804452

2011-2012 318108 564952 883060

2012-2013 346877 530445 877322

Fig 7

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Dolphin conservation

Rare Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaellabrevisrostris) occur in Lagoon. It is believed that out of

1000 odd individuals in wild all over the world, Chilika has a stable population of 150 odd

individuals.

Accidental deaths occur due to haemorrhage when hit by propeller of boats as wells as

strangulation in nets. The estimated figures of Irrawaddy Dolphins (including mortality) for last

seven years are given in fig 8.

Year Estimated Number Mortality

2006-2007 135 05

2007-2008 138 11

2008-2009 146 07

2009-2010 158 10

2010-2011 156 01

2011-2012 145 01

2012-2013 152 06

Fig. (8)

Protection measures

A large human population (about 2 lakh) around Chilika dependent on this wetland for

sustenance. The conservation of birds became a great task.Effective measures like formation of

different bird protection committees around Chilika, organising discussions with “Maschyajibi

Mohasangha”, youth clubs, women organisations, Fishery federation are taken up to seek

assistance in protection & conservation of birds & Dolphins. The temporary camps are

established for protection of migratory & resident birds during Winter before arrival of the

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migratory birds by Chilika Wildlife Division. Avian influenza surveillance is carried out in a

routine manner & during the year 2012-2013, eight samples of migratory birds collected from

the lagoon sent to the High Security Animal

Disease Laboratory. Bhopal for

surveillance of avian influenza. The figure

No.9 shows the boutulism in migratory

birds. It is seen that poachers‟ activities

could be reduced drastically by creating

amarerens campaign & motivation among

local community, local students, officials,

clubs& societies, Sanghas for protection of

birds, dolphins. This is considered to be

most effective tool for conservation of wildlife in Chilika Lagoon. On 10th

December 2000 a

committee emerged as "Sri Mahavir Pakshi Surakhya Samiti" at Mangalajodi whose major

activists are the erstwhile poachers.

This is the unique phenomenon where the poachers turned into protectors of wildlife specially

waterfowl.

Protection of wildlife around Similipal Tiger Reserve (Bufferzone)

The Similipal Tiger Reserve extends to 2750 km2 including core area of 1194.75 km

2& buffer

area of 991.75 km2 covering part of STR Division, Baripada Division, Rairangpur Division

&Karanjia Division. 32 RFs, one proposed R.F., 57 villages inside Similipal RF, 5 villages

inside Satkosia RF & 3 villages inside Turguru RF forming 563.34 km2 is the contiguous patch

of forest Tiger Reserve. The details of area is given in fig.10.

Fig 9

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Division Sanctuary area Others RFs Total

Core Buffer

STR 808.66 87.63 - 896.29

Baripada 113.68 321.15 80.40 515.23

Karanjia 199.50 311.61 198.12 709.23

Rairangpur

(including 8

villages)

72.92 271.52 199.70 544.13

Village inside

Sanctuary

- - - 8512

Total 1194.75 991.91 478.22 2750.00

Fig. 10.

Protection Strategy

Similipal Tiger Reserve was subjected alongwith surrounding forests (outside protected areas)

was subjected to a series of naxal attack from 28.03.2009 to 15.04.2009 for 11 days where large

scale damage to infrastructures, tourism facilities, ransacking of tourists & robbing of valuables

including seized materials took place. All the staff vacated their headquarters after the incident

out of fear. This resulted in large scale destruction of forest and killing of animals. From

August 2009, the protection camps were gradually revived & now 96 protection camps are

functioning with deployment of 490 protection assistants on daily wage basis with wireless

facility. One of squad constisting of a sniffer dog & a tracker dog have been created and the

dogs with two Forest Guards as handlers have been sent to National Training Centre for Dogs

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of BSF at Tekanpur, M.P. Efforts were taken to form 164 Eco-Development committees in

villages surrounding Similipal. Local NGOs have been involved in awareness programme in

tribal villages. Innovative programme called ":Friends of Similipal Tigers” started where school

students are invited as volunteers to spread the wildlife & forest protection in and around

Similipal forests.

AKHANDA SHIKAR

AkhandaShikar is Similipal is a traditions method of hunting of wild animals by tribal people to

meet their rituals. It starts from the month of January just after paddy harvesting, maker

sankranti& ends during the month of June, Raja Sankranti after outbreak of monsoon. This

practice has been going on in Similipal since long before creation of Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Hundreds & hundreds of tribals of fringe villages used to enter forest areas with their traditional

weapons like arrows, bows & country made guns for writing in frequent intervals during this

period. The AkhandaShikar (Mass hunting) was carried by tribals on Panasankranti falling on

14th

April every year previously. Since tight surveillance was taken & checked their Shikar,

they shifted AkhandaShikar& cleverly carry out Shikar from January to June every years. To

curb such situation some strategy adopted by Department for protection of animals. Operations

like joint combing operation by staff on vulnerable routes, Flag march in co-ordination with

police, awareness campaign among villagers & NGOs, activation of EDCs with involvement of

occupancy in wildlife awareness, awareness among Dehuries (village priests) who play a key

role as the villagers move inside forests only after performing riduals by the Dehuries and

archery competition among tribal in fringe villages to dissuade them from going for mass

hunting are taken up by Forest Department. It is seen that the customery Akhanda Shikar of

tribals was controlled.

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Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant corridor

The distribution of South Eastern population of Asiatic Elephant in Odisha is confined mainly

to Similipal; Hadagarh&Kuldiha sanctuary joined by narrow strip & highly fragmented

degraded forests. As migration of Elephant is an inherent characteristic, they have been using

these narrow strips of Forested land for their migration from one sanctuary to another. Over the

years, anthropogenic pressure over this degraded forested land has increased many fold due to

lack of proper legal protection of this forested land. Of late, activities like mining,

encroachment, illicit removal of forest produce and illegal farming have added to the miseries

of this mega herbivore. Consequently frequent wildlife depredation & man-animal conflict has

resulted in loss of life & property. Hence, a habitat contiguity through this narrow strips of land

with forest cover having proper legal protection is required. As the entire land belongs to

Government, it is felt essential to constitute this narrow strips of forest land which is the

migration path of elephant as a conservation Reserve under the provision of Wildlife

(protection) Act, 1972 (amended). The land schedule abstract of the area is given is Figure 11.

Land Schedule abstract

Name of the District Mouza Area in Acre

Balasore Kaithagadia 353.66

Balasore Sarisua 1053.50

Total 1407.16

Mayurbhanj Sukhuapata Hills 2977.88

Total 4385.04

4385.04 Acre = 1775 ha = 17.75 sqkm.

Fig. 11

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In the above case study it is worth saying that the villagers of the above mouza came forward

after constant motivation by department staff, and have given written consent for declaration of

Kuldiha-HadagarhElaphant corridor as a conservation Reserve.

B. Analysis

Habitat & Conservation

We need to manage wildlife for maintaining ecosystem stability, preservation of natural genetic

stock. All the native species constitute genetic reservoir & provide new genetic characteristics

for improvement of existing plants & animal life. Wildlife is a source of a economic benefit of

the local people and caries tourism, scientific & aesthetic value. These values placed on a

resource usually change slowly as other aspects of the society change. As society becomes less

reliant on or less engaged with native species. To maintain wildlife in a habitat, we need to

provide proper habitat in which wildlife population are fit to survive & reproduce successfully.

If a population is reproducing at an optimum rate and survival of young & adults is high, the

habitat is considered to be of high quality. A number of factors affect a populations' birth rate.

Animals that are in poor nutritional condition usually have fewer young ones and breed less.

Animal movement within a home range often follows paths that are used repeatedly. Deers

develop well known path through forests when moving to and from cover & food. The birds

even use their flight path repeatedly in their daily movement (Belisle and Desrochers 2003). So

to maintain such movement of animals the natural connectivity within a landscape has to be

kept intact or developed matching with suitable species.

Biological attributes in conservation

It has been observed that the maximum density remains the same & is apparently independent

of the environment and the amount of food & cover available. The degree of attraction to a

particular area for a species depends on the adequacy of supply of requirements for existence in

the area namely food & shelter. There may be a quantitative lack of food, which will result in

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starvation which may cause the species to wander away in search of food or even to migrate

from one locality to other altogether. There may be quantitative lack of food, i.e. lack of

calcium or other nutritional elements which reflects in physical weakness, loss of vigour

resulting low reproduction rate & even slow line & death. Similarly shelter has been measured

in terms of quality and lack of this factor is reflected in a low population. Some deers prefer

high forest of considerable density. Population of any species depends on two factors-breeding

potential & environment which reaches its peak in certain times, the largest flocks occur among

migratory birds & smallest among sedentary birds. Migratory birds adhere to a regular

programme of movement & a species does not migrate early in one year and late in the next.

The migratory birds fly in certain direction & have tendency to return always to the same

winter grounds & same feeding areas year after year. The waterfowl usually migrate by day &

while small birds migrate by night.

Man-Animal conflicts

In Odisha, six percentage of total geographical area falls within purview of protected areas &

the rest of the areas give ground for wildlife like wolves, jackels, civets, ungulates like Black

Buck, spotted deer, hot deer, birds & even leopards. Elephants & tigers very often come to

human habitation when they move from one forest to other. Most of research work restricted

inside protected area. Some of the most endangered wildlife which live outside protected areas

are not given best protection measure. It is a fact that most of the wildlife outside protected

areas are protected by community‟s effort. For which their work are to be acknowledged &

recognition should be given to them. The need of the hour that the wildlife conservation actions

should be priotised outside protected areas.

The growing of man-animal conflict in Odisha has been studied. It is seen that of late the

incidence of such conflict has increased which includes animals like elephants, leopards, bears

& even Olive Ridley sea turtles. The same conflicts has been increased many fold in present

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scenario. Such man-animal conflicts should be resolved giving attention towards sensible

scientific & compassionate approach. During the period from 2004-05 to 2009-10, 352 cases of

human death, 132 cases of human injury, 3863 cases of house damage & 21768 acres of crop

damage elephant depredation; and 75 human death cases and 671 cases of human injury cases

due to other animals like, bear, crocodile, wild pig etc were recorded in Odisha. On the

contrary, 331 elephants death cases have been reported during the same period. For different

reasons, i.e. electrocution, natural death, diseases etc. the total number of elephant in the state

to be 1886. Similarly, the population of other wild animals comes down drastically. The

conflicts taken place mainly outside protected areas, in human settlements. Where the habitats

are damaged the wildlife lost their feed & enter into human habitation. Large chunks of forest

land have been diverted for mining, establishment industries, roads railways, irrigation projects.

Those act as mechanical barriers in the movement of wild animals from one place to another for

the reason the habitat becomes stressful. It has been observed that a group of elephants of

Chandaka-Dampada Sanctuary instead of going to kapilash (Northward direction), have moved

southwards to new areas like Khurdha, Chilika&Chhatrapur sub-division of Ganjam District.

Elephant movement in the state is now reported in 28 out of 30 districts (except

Kendrapara&Jagarsinghpur District), earlier which was confined within 16 districts not very

long ego, promotion of some agricultural & horticultural species like, sugarcane, banana,

mango, jackfruit etc attract elephant which are immensely liked by them. In a bid to reduce

man-animal conflict in Odisha, Govt. have identified 14 elephant corridors in the state for safe

movement of the animals which frequently come out of their habitation in search of food &

water. The corridors would provide better habitats with adequate water bodies food facility,

shelter and safe passages and ensure genetic exchange between elephant herds for maintenance

of healthy elephant population. Recently wild bears killed eight villagers in Odisha causing

Panic among local villages in the small town of Kotpad. The residents finally beat the animal to

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death. Solutions to habitat related problems need to be proactively taken up to save them from

conflicts. According to the world conservation union (world Park congress, 2003), Human-

wildlife conflict (HWC) occurs when wildlife requirements overlap with those of human

population, creating cost to residents & wild animals.

Poverty alleviation & wildlife conservation

The degradation of natural resources & ecosystem affects wildlife conservation as well as

livelihood of local poor. The natural riches are well protected donot address the better lives for

most vulnerable. The local in habitant live closed to protected areas gain least from its

protection. It is assumed that the conservation of forests & wildlife are much complex &

dynamic. Forest & wildlife provide livelihood material and earnings from enhancement

ecotourism in the locality. Access to the nature & its conservation through participatory

decision making assist in increasing economic standard of the poor. Forest has large potential

for livelihood from where fuel wood, medicinal needs, products for forest based industries,

NTFP etc are obtained. There is huge demand for use of firewood as domestic source of energy

& trade. The management of forest & wildlife should be taken together with poverty alleviation

programme in which livelihood security enhancement & income generating activities should be

included. Conservation strategies & benefit sharing should be formulated along with non-

forestry income generating activities. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with &

recover stress & enhance its capabilities & assets. Income generating activities can be ensured

through SHGs to enhance their economical development through business plan & marketing

strategies. This canbe achieved through their capacity building. Entry point activity is a tool to

motivate & encourage people towards conservation of wildlife & forests outside protected

areas. Building of institution like Joint forest management committee with proper financial

assistance & guidance can improve the socio-economic condition of the poor.

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Tackling disaster &veterinary emergencies

While managing wildlife outside the protected areas, the events due to disaster causes wide

spread social disruption, property damage along with loss of life. Spread of diseases, drought,

cyclones, forest fires, flood, landslides etc. fall under the climate change disasters. We should

be well prepared to face such events and dealwith them at local level in order to minimize the

consequences. Fire, drought, flash floods, rapidly spreading diseases and epidemic affect the

health of our wild animals. Injury to the wild animals caused due to man-animal conflicts.

Proper planning & training to the field staff and capacity building of local community is

required to tackle such situation. Every emergency situation warrants a plan. For dealing with a

situation like poaching, we must have a well documentedantipoaching plan for the sake of

conservation of wildlife. Similarly plan for dealing with fires, draughts, non-animal conflicts

and bio-security issues outside the protected areas. While preparing plan help can be taken from

works already done in these fields. Anti-poaching plans can be prepared on the lines of

“Generic guidelines for preparation of Security Plan. Wilderness areas are susceptible to a

number of hazards like forest fire, coupled with ground fire in activities of agricultural lands.

Animal depredation is a common phenomenon due to depletion of forest & habitat loss. The

local community as an institution should have capability to deal with these hazards with the

help of Government Departments. Conducting a hazard analysis will determine the hazard that

the area of wildlife movement. Hence the management plan become more realistic and

possibility of hazards can be listed & the exigencies can be identified. The ecological impacts,

economic impact & sociocultural impact can be priortised. Capacity building which can be

mainly in the form of toning up the skills are identified, measures can be taken up for toning

them up through training. Dealing with animal depredation outside protected areas the plan can

22

have a chapter on the equipments which can account for large animals. The conventional

methods of fire protection still having effectiveness which can be dealt by community people.

People & Conservation

The basic three components of the wildlife conservation are wildlife population, its habitat &

related people. On establishing all these components wildlife conservation can be possible. The

third component is most economic status plays a very important role in the wildlife

conservation since their poverty tends themselves towards connecting offence towards wild

animals. People attaining different age group having different ideas should be motivated

differently in sense of conservation wildlife. It can be said that by the help of extension media

like radio, television, stories, essays, newspaper, cinema etc; each person of each category i.e.

young, middle aged and elderly persons may be motivated and awarded. It is strange in human

history that the man has very little knowledge about nature and exploited the same, while he

himself is an integral part of it.

Strategy

The wildlife outside PAs have to be survived along with proper management of forest and

community & revenue areas so that these areas could be a safe & suitable habitat for them. The

concept of the commercial management has to the changed to accommodate ecological concept

& wildlife considerations. The patches of natural grassland need to be maintained for

herbivores to provide grazing ground. Management of biological elements like large old tree,

snags, tree with buttresses, fruit bearing trees & shrubs are to be taken up & kept as habitat of

many wild creatures in these areas. All the degraded habitats outside PAs should be restored &

rehabilitated which has vital significance for sustenance of wildlife. Habitats suitable for

species as available, should be protected & manipulated such a manner that the wildlife prefer.

People are traditionally using natural biomass resource for their livelihood, increase in

unproductive livestock had adversely affected people and conservation status of forests &

23

wildlife. Effective conservation of forests & wildlife and sustainable welfare of the people are

co-related. To maintain such co-relation, proper socio-economic package can be launched

which may compensate the loss sustained by local communities. Ecotourism development

programme should be taken up for conservation wildlife & its habitat, tourism revenue earnings

and benefit sharing. Schemes under different plan schemes or central plans for alternate

livelihood option creation should be executed to develop economic condition of the

community. The elephant management programme is to be coordinated properly with

appropriate stakeholders. Monitoring the implementation of the work given to various stake

holders to improve the awareness & responsibility of the stake holders. Steps should be taken in

case of Kuldiha-Hadagarh Elephant corridor for declaring as conservation reserve. Govt. is

giving compassionate grant for human death & crop damage to the villagers which may be

given as compensatory grant for the loss so that the villagers will not bother about crop raiding

by elephants. Enforcement of the laws under wildlife protection Act should be enforced with

the help of local community to prevent poaching of wild animal & destruction of its habitat. In

this regard proper surveillance & monitoring is needed to achieve expected result. Corridor

development & management is to be take up on priority for connectivity of wild animals which

help in genetic exchange & enhancement of viable population of the species.

Conclusion&Recommendations

It is a challenging assignment to conserve wildlife outside protected area and corridors. The

need of the hour is to manage wildlife with landscape approach so that animal can move freely

for genetic exchange & viable population. Three factors are to be looked into while managing

wildlife i.e approach, Fragmentation of forests & funding. Survey & Surveillance should be

taken up to ensure wildlife population and their protection. The capacity building of local

residents, officials and field workers should be done peridically. Wildlife areas & corridors

outside protested area can be declared as conservation Reserves or community reserves dealing

24

with local community for bringing those area to the fold of Wildlife (protection) Act for better

management. We have to justify and project before Government for Wildlife outside PAs

which is equally important in management of wildlife outside protested areas. It is well

established that no conservation measures will succeed depriving people from their possession.

Under these conditions new PAs will not serve the very purpose of creation mainly on two

valid points. Firstly with increasing dispersal of wildlife, declaration of PAs at Bhetnoi-

Balipadar, Mangalajodi area in Chilika Lagoon, Gokharkuda area, Kuldiha-Hadagarh Elephant

corridor spreading over a definite boundary will be counterproductive and self defeating.

Secondly, declaration of PA will prevent a large number of people traditionally dependent for

livelihood support. Any haste decision will have far reaching consequences & the major stake-

holders (wildlife & people) will bear the brunt. Hence, declaring community reserve at bhetnoi

for conservation of black buck, conservation reserve at Rushikulya river mouth for

conservation of Olive Ridley sea turtle, conservation reserve at Mangalajodi in Chilka lagoon

for protection of birds and conservation reserve of elephant corridor at Hadagarh- Kuldiha

would be effective at the present situation. Ecotourism development programme should be

taken up for conservation of wildlife & its habitat, and tourism revenue earning and benefit

sharing schemes for alternate livelihood option creation should be executed to develop

economic condition of the community.

25

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