Sanctioned trophy hunting: the controversial grey area in man-animal conflict

The increasing incidents of man-animal conflict due to the shrinking natural habitats have sparked a controversial debate. A recent case in Uttarakhand highlights this issue. On December 11, 2024, the forest department captured a tiger in the Naukuchiatal area near Bhimtal. This tiger was suspected of killing a woman, which led to its capture. Such cases bring into focus the complex ethical and environmental questions surrounding the practice of labelling big cats as “man-eaters” and taking drastic actions against them.

Man-animal conflict in focus

As forests and wildlife habitats continue to shrink, encounters between humans and wild animals are becoming more frequent. These encounters often result in tragic incidents, especially in areas where villages or settlements are close to forests. When big cats like tigers or leopards attack humans or livestock, they are quickly branded as “man-eaters.” The forest departments often respond by capturing or even killing the animals. In some cases, hobby hunters are hired to carry out these tasks. These measures aim to protect human lives but raise questions about their impact on wildlife conservation and ethics.

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This issue is not new. Over the years, many such incidents have been reported from states like Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Tigers and leopards, being territorial animals, often stray into human habitations when their natural habitats are disturbed. These disturbances are often caused by deforestation, infrastructure development, or agricultural expansion. The resulting man-animal conflict is a growing concern for both wildlife experts and local communities.

Ethical and environmental questions

The practice of authorizing hunts or captures has drawn criticism from conservationists and animal rights activists. They argue that such actions disrupt the natural balance and fail to address the root causes of man-animal conflict. Instead of killing or capturing the animals, experts suggest alternative solutions like creating buffer zones, relocating villages, and enhancing forest cover. These measures aim to reduce encounters between humans and wildlife without harming the animals.

The Uttarakhand case is just one example of a broader problem. As human populations grow and demand for land increases, the pressure on natural habitats will only intensify. Finding sustainable solutions to coexist with wildlife is essential to protect both human lives and the environment.