Big cats changing old routes to avoid human contact

NAINITAL: A new study has found that tigers, leopards and elephants may be changing their traditional corridors within forests to avoid man-animal conflict.
The study by the state forest department funded by the Union ministry of environment and forests found primary evidence that animals may have taken to two new probable passages/corridors near the Corbett tiger reserve (CTR). GS Karki, additional conservator of forests, told TOI, “We have launched the study in 12 corridors in and around CTR. The study is on and there are a few findings in the primary stage, but conclusions can be drawn only after the study is complete.” The study is being conducted in corridors passing through or connecting parts of forest in five forest divisions of western circle of Kumaon, Corbett tiger reserve, Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary and Pilibhit tiger reserve.
The study is aimed at exploring the factors, including human interference in habitat of wild animals as well as various other factors affecting the movement of animals through their natural pathways which happen to be corridors. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, chief executive officer of Haldwani zoo who is heading the study, said, “The study will take at least 12 months to reach to any conclusion. We have found two passages which may or may not be full-fledged corridors yet. We will be tracking the movement of the animals in these passages and other corridors too. Other factors will include closely observing the interference of humans and related activity near these corridors through which we will be able to determine the effects.”
Vipul Maurya, biologist from Wildlife Institute of India, said, “Elephant herds are known to migrate across 350-500 sq km annually. But fragmented landscapes are driving them more frequently into human-dominated areas, giving rise to more man-animal conflicts which also forces the animals to find new routes.”

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