Wild animals entering human territory like never before; Tigers, elephants top intruders

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Wild animals are entering human habitats in Kerala like never before. According to the latest census report, tigers, bison, and even bear are frequenters in human territory. It is alarming and not just something to snub aside, as two people were brutally killed by the horns of a bison near Erumeli in Kottayam today.

The last census was made in 2011. Then the bisons entering into human territory were counted as 17, 860. 12 years have passed and with all changes, the numbers could only surge. Tigers normally station in the wild making sure no other breed of theirs are within the 25sq km periphery. Wild tuskers need 128 sq km on their own and won't allow any other pachyderm to enter that territory. The number of such animals is turning big with every passing year. Many herbs are getting extinct which was fodder for such animals over the years. The change in their livelihood and the craving for food has taken a toll on these wild ones making them strut to the human habitat in search of an Edenic life.

The forest department has started work to uproot Senna siamea from forest land and plant more herbs which are fodder for herbivores' wilds. Albeit the initiatives, it remains a cruel fact that all such plants will take years to grow to their full size. Until then, the govt and other experts should deliberate on ways to stop the wild intrusion into human habitats.

The people living in the territory normally tilt to farming herbs which attract wild animals to creep in for food. Deers and elephants reaching the territory for food will eventually invite the carnivores preying for fodder in such animals. The people should think about alternate means of farming including ginger which will stop the wild intrusion.