Rameez Makhdoomi
The regular instances of wild animals confrontation especially Leopards and Bears with human habitations in the Kashmir valley is a matter of serious concern. This is result of habitat loss to the wildlife in Kashmir especially due to the destruction of forests since many decades.From North to South and Central Kashmir the entire region stands rattled by Human – Wild conflicts. Over the years, this has resulted in loss of precious human lives especially the minor children.The expert pulse or pointed definition of these conflicts is that Human-wildlife conflict is when encounters between humans and wildlife lead to negative results, such as loss of property, livelihoods, and even life. Defensive and retaliatory killing may eventually drive these species to extinction.The facts and statistics in this regard are worrying to say the least.According to official figures, at least 30 people were killed by wild animals over the last three years.As a matter of great worry , over the past six years, wild animals have injured over 640 people in various incidents across the valley.We need to bear in mind the bright facet is that encroachments of wildlife habitat has been arrested with the enforcement of different laws to a great extent in Jammu and Kashmir in past few years .A recent advisory of wildlife department asks people to stop moving into the forest areas alone. Women and children, who are most vulnerable to attacks by leopards and bears, have been particularly asked to be careful.Wahid Bhat, Environment Journalist working with prestigious Groundreport states that the main reason behind the rising Human wild animal conflict is deforestation. He opines ” There are many other reasons behind Human wild conflict in Kashmir . Like Rapid urbanization and industrialization along with population growth is giving rise to increased conflict between wild life and Humans in Kashmir. The other important aspect is climate Change that is making wild animals throughout the world to move out of there natural habitats. “
