Bridging local knowledge and frontier technologies for sustainable wildlife management in agricultural landscapes

Human-wildlife interactions increasingly threaten food security, biodiversity conservation, and farmers’ livelihoods in India. This study examined the spatial variation in wildlife species causing crop-specific damage, the intensity, type, and seasons of damage, the methods adopted by farmers, and the potential for bridging with advanced technologies. The study was carried out across three topographies: hills, foothills, and plains in the Reddiyarchatram block of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, India. A sample of 150 farmers was studied using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The results showed that over 90% of farmers considered wildlife conflict their main production risk today. Wild boar, peafowl, and elephants were identified as the most important species causing severe crop loss and yield reduction. Farmers reported crop losses of 50–60% in maize and tapioca in severely affected areas. Indigenous management practices primarily involve low-cost deterrents, such as rope barriers, alarms, and night patrols. These methods reduce damage by only 10–40%, underscoring their limited effectiveness. While advanced solutions such as solar fencing and AI-driven alarms seem promising, their adoption among smallholder farmers requires support through integration with indigenous knowledge and institutional backing. Besides, this study highlights that addressing knowledge gaps, ecosystem-based habitat management, and policy interventions are needed to craft effective solutions. The study recommends bridging indigenous practices with innovative technologies complemented by ecosystem-based community measures. By situating farmer practices within a broader technological and institutional context, this research provides practical pathways for sustainable wildlife management and resilient smallholder farming, both vital for achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 15 (Life on Land), thereby promoting balanced food production.