[Priya Meto]
Lower Dibang Valley represents one of the most biologically rich landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, comprising dense subtropical forest, steep hill, slopes, river valleys and extensive managed community areas. The district also forms part of the larger eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, supporting several large mammals including tiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), wild boars (Sus scrofa) and other ungulates. And as this state is majorly covered by forested areas with very less human population residing alongside the wildlife, human-animal conflict is something that is bound to happen.
Why human-tiger conflict happens?
Normally, conflicts like this don’t happen randomly. There’s always a deeper ecological and social causes.
Tigers and other large mammals need large territories; a tiger may use 20-100 km sq. Female tigers cover 20-40 km sq and male covers 60-150 kmsq, and young tigers disperse far to find new areas for movement for food, mates, and water, and if forests are fragmented by roads, human settlements, shifting cultivation, constructions, etc, animals are forced to cross human-dominated areas, which increases encounters. So, habitat overlap is one huge reason.
Prey depletion, if their prey, like deer, wild boar are reduced due to hunting or habitat loss or due to some natural causes as well, big cats might range wider in search of food, water. They roam to farther areas, sometimes near livestock, and which may bring them nearer to humans.
Surprise encounters is one major reason for conflicts like this, as most tiger movement happens at dawn, dusk, night, and travelling in the animal corridor, especially during these times, leads to higher risk. Many and most attacks by animals on humans are mainly defensive, not predatory, they are startled at a close range.
What can be done?
Killing animals will never solve a problem; instead, it damages the ecosystem. Tigers are a keystone species and also ignoring human safety is unfair and dangerous. In different areas where there have been reports of human-wildlife conflicts, such as in Kaziranga, they build an overpass/underpass and this model works there because it matches their landscape. Similarly Lower Dibang Valley needs solutions suited to mountains, dense forests, scattered tribal villages, and narrow roads. So, the best solution is, there should be a proper planning for coexistence.
Early warning and local monitoring system
Sometimes conflicts are not about space but about lack of information. If camera trap or a person spot tigers, the forest department should inform the village head of all the neighbouring areas where the animal was seen, through WhatsApp, SMS group alert, and warning boards. Restrict night travel, mainly on two-wheelers. The forest department and both the local community have to be very active in this. Any illegal felling/poaching should be inspected and completely banned. The forest department has to be very active here.
Culvert corridors
This fits the Dibang terrains because there are various streams, small rivers and valleys, so instead of building expensive overbridges like in Kaziranga, the existing culverts can be widened, leaving 3-5 m high underpass space, and keep natural soil floor and plant vegetation near the entrance as animals prefer dark, quiet, and natural looking paths.
Community forest corridors
This is one of the areas where our district has a huge advantage as compared to other states, because many and most forests are community owned in our state. Traditional restrictions already exist, and the village councils are strong. Declaring certain areas as community wildlife corridors or no disturbance forest belts with certain rules, including no hunting, no tree felling, no night movement, can create a huge difference. Create zones around forests, such as core forests where human activities shouldn’t be allowed, buffer, where collection of NTFPs, etc, should be controlled. As the tribals live on the NTFPs collected from the forests, it cannot be completely and suddenly stopped. In the village zone, which is the human settlement area, there should be stronger livestock sheds and fencings. Solar lights should be provided by the government, and also avoid dumping wastes as it can attract wildlife. Traditional ecological knowledge of the Idu Mishmi community includessacred groves, seasonal restrictions, and culturally protected forests, which already contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Incorporating these customary practices into formal management plans can enhance acceptance and effectiveness of conservation initiatives and reduce conflicts.
Conclusion
Human-wildlife conflict in Lower Dibang Valley is an inherent outcome of shared landscapes, rather than an isolated ecological problem. Consequently, mitigation requires a balanced approach that safeguards both human lives and wildlife population. Instead of large-scale engineering structures, a combination of community forest corridors, culverts for animal to pass, and most importantly, an early warning system and participatory management offers a more practical and sustainable pathway. And most important, the forest department should always be two steps ahead when it comes to protecting the flora and fauna, especially in this kind of landscape where both humans and animals reside alongside each other.
Also, integrating modern science with indigenous governance mechanism can promote long-term coexistence and serve as a model. (The contributor has a master’s degree in forestry)
