Assessing human wildlife conflict and its impact on domestic animal loss and rural livelihoods in Andhra Pradesh

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a term used to describe the adverse interactions between humans and wild animals. These interactions can have negative consequences for both humans and their resources, as well as for wildlife and their habitats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines HWC as a situation in which wildlife pose a threat to human lives or livelihoods, or when humans interfere with wildlife populations or habitats in a way that negatively impacts the survival of those populations or the functioning of those habitats. HWC is a significant conservation challenge that requires careful management to ensure the coexistence of humans and wildlife. The competition for natural resources between human and wildlife is a leading cause of human-wildlife conflict (HWC), which negatively impacts human food security and the well-being of both humans and animals. In recent decades, the incidence of HWC has increased in many regions due to the growth of human populations and changes in land use patterns. This has led to a greater overlap between human and wildlife habitats, creating more opportunities for conflict between the two groups. Animal wild life survival has alarming signals all over the world as human encroachment, is growing in a fast pace leaving no option for the wild animals except to have conflict with the humans for them to live in this world and it drastically influences on rural communities. People's interactions with wildlife are influenced by various social and psychological factors, such as cultural and emotional backgrounds, economics, governance, and involvement of stakeholders. Based on the data obtained with various sources between 2020-23, the number of animal and financial loss was estimated. Most of the damage caused in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram and Eluru district was mainly due to elephant attack (Elephas spp), along with monkeys (Maccacca spp), wild Boar (Sus spp), Snakes like (Naja naja, Krait, Bungarus spp) Mice, Mouse, Rat, Jackles (Canis spp), Tiger (Tigris spp,). Approximately 22% of the total losses experienced by farmers in their livestock population were due to animal attacks. The domesticated animals which were mostly eaten by the predators are fishes, (Catla, Labeo, Cirhinus spp.) Birds (Gallus, Chittagong, Aseel spp.) goats (Capra spp.), Sheeps (Ovis spp,) Cows (Bos spp.), pigs (Sus), Buffalo (Bubalus spp.) etc, the public and government officials in combined action can mitigate these problems from future attacks. To address this issue, effective management strategies are needed that balance the needs of both humans and wildlife while minimizing the risk of conflict.