Kerala govt plans multi-layer defence against human-wildlife conflict: Forest Minister

Kerala Forest Minister Shibu Baby John has said the government is working on creating a comprehensive multi-layer protective barrier mechanism in high-risk areas to tackle the growing threat of human-wildlife conflict.

The proposed defensive system, he informed the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, would comprise AI-based surveillance and early-warning tools, followed by hanging fences and, where necessary, stronger defensive structures.

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Replying to questions raised during the Question Hour, he said the Forest department is focused on a containment and mitigation strategy, with priority on preventing wild animals from venturing into human settlements while minimising the impact of conflicts when they occur. The strategy also aimed at keeping wild animals within forest habitats by improving food and water availability inside forests.

According to Mr. John, several innovative deterrent measures were being examined, including technologies that mimic the buzzing sound of bees, and exploiting elephants’ natural fear of bee swarms. However, field experiments have shown that elephants eventually adapt to such systems and even destroy equipment. The scenario emphasised the need for integrated solutions rather than standalone interventions, he pointed out.