Katerniaghat, 20th September 2024: The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, conducted a four-day basic training program on ‘Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation’ for the frontline staff of Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) from 16th-19th September 2024. The training took place at the Geruwa Nature Interpretation Centre within the Katerniaghat Range of KWLS., Uttar Pradesh. 

Shri B. Shivshankar (IFS), Divisional Forest Officer, KWLS, inaugurated the training program as the Chief Guest. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the importance of the training program, emphasising local community cooperation and comprehensive collaboration between multiple security agencies to effectively address human-wildlife conflict. 

The sessions were conducted by experienced trainers from WTI, specialising in human-wildlife conflict management and wildlife veterinary care. Notable speakers from the organisation included Dr. NVK Ashraf, Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Abhishek Ghoshal, Manager & Head, Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Division, Mr. Rudra Mahapatra, Head, Training Division, Mr. Milind Pariwakam, Project Head, Strengthening Landscape Management & Conservation, Central India. The training program is supported by the US Fish & Wildlife Services (USFWS), Government of the USA and Chester Zoo, United Kingdom.

Dr. NVK Ashraf from WTI hosting a session on managing displayed wildlife  | Photo by Team WTI

Over the four-day comprehensive capacity-building program, 42 frontline staff from seven ranges of KWLS (Katerniaghat, Nishangara, Sujauli, Murtiha, Kakraha, Dharmapur, Motipur) received training on various aspects of human-wildlife conflict and its mitigation strategies.  Topics covered included the definition of conflict, its levels and types, underlying causes and drivers, mitigation measures (preventive, reactive, and pre-emptive), stakeholder analysis, community engagement and sensitization, crowd management, technologies for monitoring conflict-related wildlife, and principles of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

WTI also provided utility kits to the trainees, which included a backpack, cap, diary, pen, mosquito net, torch, and poncho. These kits will assist the frontline staff in undertaking field work more effectively and safely. This training aims to enhance their ability to manage conflict situations, particularly involving big cats (tiger and leopard), in and around the KWLS.

A group of 42 frontline staff from seven ranges of KWLS participated in the training workshop | Photo by Team WTI

Recognizing the high intensity of human-leopard conflict and the need for veterinary interventions in Katerniaghat, Dr. NVK Ashraf highlighted the importance of sensitising the forest frontline staff on scientific and ethical wildlife rescue methods. He emphasized that the priority should be to provide a trapped animal with “safe passage” rather than focusing solely on capturing it.

Dr. Abhishek Ghoshal emphasised that in Katerniaghat, even small changes in daily habits could significantly reduce negative interactions between humans and big cats, fostering coexistence. He noted the importance of avoiding open defecation, conducting agricultural activities in groups, and ensuring that children are not allowed to graze livestock near forest edges. Additionally, he urged parents to make sure infants and children do not sleep outside at night. He highlighted the need for collaboration with village-level community institutions such as Eco-Development Committees, Joint Forest Management Committees, and local administration to encourage behavioural changes that would enhance safety for both people and big cats.

WTI has been actively working in the Katerniaghat-Dudhwa-Pilibhit landscape, in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, for nearly fifteen years to address human-big cat conflicts and combat illicit wildlife trade and crime.