Nishith Dharaiya
Evaluating Habitat and Human-Bear Conflict in North Gujarat, India - To Seek Solutions for Human-Bear Coexistence
Sloth bear.
| Town/Region | Country | Categories | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabarkantha District, North Gujarat | India | Conflict, Indian Sub-continent, Mammals, People | 11 Dec 2009 |
North Gujarat supports healthy populations of sloth bears, but protected areas (PAs) are few and small, and much wildlife habitat is fragmented and degraded. Results of our research in 2008 reveal that human bear conflicts are occurring in the area due to unawareness of local residents and shrinking bear habitat. We are continuing the work in other districts, of the region.
The forest in this region is unprotected and supports sizeable population of sloth bears but the distribution of this population is unexplored. Due to increasing human activity and illegal encroachment in the forest areas, the movement of wildlife across the forest patches is restricted which results in severe human-wildlife conflicts.
By continuing our research we can complete our goal to fully evaluate human-bear conflicts in the North Gujarat region. We will be conducting training and workshop for forest field staff and locals using the expertise of our research team and other wildlife expert.
Read about Nishith's previous work http://www.ruffordsmallgrants.org/rsg/projects/nishith_dharaiya or for more information contact nadharaiya@gmail.com