Community Engagement and Awareness Pave the Way for Relief ; North Kashmir Wildlife Warden Intisar Suhail
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Feb 08 : In recent years, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed a disturbing rise in human-wildlife conflicts. However, authorities have stated that in the 2024-2025 calendar year there has been a decrease in the number of incidents, deeming this year a relief for the people of Kashmir.
In an exclusive interview with Kashmir Despatch, Wildlife Warden North Kashmir, Intisar Suhail, noted that while there has been a significant reduction in human-animal conflict incidents, there were four notable cases that occurred in Kupwara. Still, following those incidents, the department spread awareness and received considerable support from the community, which helped decrease cases and save human lives.
The officer emphasized that after the department’s awareness initiatives, there have been hardly any reports of wild animal attacks in North Kashmir. It’s been almost two months, and people are feeling at ease and relieved, while the department is working diligently to maintain this positive trend and minimize cases.
Discussing the increase in leopard sightings in populated areas, he stated that leopards are involved in human-wildlife conflicts as they tend to live nearby, which is a reality everyone must accept. He explained that the habitat of leopards is not restricted to forests; they are cosmopolitan creatures found across a wide range of habitats and food sources. Thus, they can adapt anywhere. When we provide some cover through our plantations, nurseries, or even by planting larger trees near human settlements, they tend to adapt to those environments.
He added that leopards require food, and street dogs serve as good prey for them. Everyone has noticed how the population of street dogs has increased in recent years, so it’s not unusual for leopards to remain in close proximity when food is readily available.
However, the officer clarified that as long as leopards have access to food and their population continues to rise, we need to take steps to reduce their food sources so that they remain distant from human settlements.
He pointed out that it is not only the department’s responsibility but a collective responsibility of society. Everyone needs to work together, including being mindful of the food waste we discard.
“We must keep our surroundings clean and maintain our environment. This is the only way we can curb the increasing movements of leopards in urban areas,” the officer stated.
He acknowledged that it is a long-term process but emphasized the importance of immediate awareness and spreading information in the community.
The officer also added that as the number of street dogs increases, the potential danger to all of us also grows. Therefore, whenever the department shares guidelines, the community must adhere to them and keep their environment as clean as possible. Additionally, if any wild animals are spotted, individuals should not approach them and should inform the department to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
According to the Department of Wildlife Protection in Jammu and Kashmir, from 2006 to March 2024, a staggering 264 people lost their lives, and 3,164 were injured due to encounters with wild animals. The issue is becoming more severe in rural areas, where many families are now living in constant fear.
Raja Muzzafar, an environmentalist focused on the issue of human-wildlife conflict, expressed, “As we encroach upon nature, wild animals are losing their homes. Our relentless deforestation for development comes at a high cost, as we fail to recognize that wildlife requires their own space to thrive. When we dismantle their habitats, we push them into our own.”
The reduction of forested areas is forcing wildlife to venture closer to human communities. For instance, leopards are increasingly spotted prowling through villages at night, in search of livestock or leftover food. Similarly, bears that once remained secluded in dense forests are now appearing in orchards and fields, looking for apples and other fruits.
The Root Cause: Habitat Loss
Experts emphasize that one of the primary drivers behind the rising incidence of human-wildlife conflicts is habitat loss. The rapid pace of urbanization and deforestation in Kashmir is displacing wild animals from their natural habitats. Forests that once offered essential food, shelter, and safety are being replaced by expanding human settlements, infrastructure, and agricultural land. Consequently, these animals are increasingly venturing into villages and towns in search of sustenance, leading to perilous encounters with humans. This urgent situation calls for immediate action to balance development with the preservation of wildlife habitats to ensure the safety of both people and animals.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
