Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Sudhir Kumawat
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Zoology, JJT University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan – 333010, India
Title:  Wetland Management Quality as a Determinant of Human-Wildlife Conflict Intensity: Evidence from Rajasthan's Wetland Ecosystems
Abstract:  Human-wildlife conflict is a major problem for conservation in semi-arid places, especially if wetlands are damaged and animals have to move into farming areas. This research investigates the correlation between the quality of wetland management and the level of human-wildlife conflict in 46 wetlands located in Rajasthan, India. We looked at incidences of crop damage, economic losses, and conflict patterns between species in connection to five management categories, from good to no active management. The results show that wetlands that were well-managed had 96% fewer crop damage events (28 vs. 623 per year) and 96% lower economic losses (₹12.4 vs. ₹289.7 lakhs/year) than wetlands that weren't maintained. Species-specific analysis demonstrated a consistent decrease in conflicts ranging from 79% to 87% across seven significant animal species when the quality of wetland habitats was preserved. An economic analysis showed that investments in integrated wetland management had an 8.3:1 benefit-cost ratio because they reduced conflicts. This saved ₹393.5 lakhs a year compared to an investment of ₹47.5 lakhs. Community opinion surveys indicated that 87% of inhabitants in protected areas supported conservation, despite encountering some conflict. Additionally, targeted interventions in high-conflict interface zones (2-5 km from wetlands) were crucial for sustaining social tolerance. These results show that protecting wetlands is a good way to reduce conflict that is also good for the economy and the community. It also helps conserve biodiversity and rural livelihoods.
Keywords: human-wildlife conflict, wetland management, crop damage, conservation economics, wildlife management
Journal: Inventum Biologicum: An International Journal of Biological Research
Pages: 137-147
Volume: 3
Issue: 4
Year: 2023
File-URL: https://journals.worldbiologica.com/ib/article/view/204
File-Format: text/html
File-URL: https://journals.worldbiologica.com/ib/article/view/204/372
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:adg:ibijbr:v:3:y:2023:i:4:p:137-147