Bhalukpong, Arunachal Pradesh, 20th December 2024: Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Arunachal Pradesh, and with the support of World Land Trust and David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation conducted a training program on “Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation” at the Conference Hall Circuit house in Bhalokpong, West Kameng district.

Hosted from 18th-19th December 2024, the training saw active participation from 36 frontline staff from five ranges of Khellong Forest Division. The primary objective of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of forest personnel to effectively manage human-wildlife conflicts, particularly involving elephants and big cats.

Mr. Rudra Prasanna Mahapatra, Manager & Head Training Cell conducting a session on conflict  | Photo by Team WTI

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Chief guest, Mr Aduk Paron, DFO Khellong, in the presence of Mr Arbin Pangin, Extra Addl. Commissioner Bhalukpong. The sessions were delivered by experienced trainers from WTI—Mr. Rudra Prasanna Mahapatra, Manager & Head Training Cell, and Mr. Prosenjit Sheel Project Head of Sundarban Tiger Project.

The participants received training on essential aspects of human-wildlife conflict and its mitigation strategies, including the levels and types of conflict, causes and drivers, mitigation measures (preventive, reactive, pre-emptive), stakeholder analysis, and principles of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Additionally, field gear was distributed to the participants.

Mr. Rudra Prasanna Mahapatra, Manager & Head Training Cell, expressed that in order to address human-wildlife conflicts, it is essential to first understand the nature of the conflict and the factors that drive it. He pointed out that not all human-animal interactions are conflicts and highlighted how participants learned about the different types of conflicts, their triggers, and stakeholder identification through interactive activities.

The participants received training on essential aspects of human-wildlife conflict and its mitigation | Photo by Team WTI

Mr. Aduk Paron, DFO, Khellong Forest Division, Arunachal Pradesh emphasised the need for extending this type of training to other regions of the state. He stressed that providing frontline staff and primary stakeholders with technical knowledge and expertise would significantly help in minimising human-wildlife conflicts.

Dr. Panjit Basumatary, Manager & Head, WTI expressed hope that the workshop would strengthen the skills of forest staff, enabling them to handle conflict situations more effectively in the future. He also acknowledged the vital support from the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Arunachal Pradesh, the World Land Trust, and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation in making the training program possible.