Wayanad Conflict Mitigation Project

The Wayanad Conflict Mitigation Project is an initiative dedicated to reducing the negative impacts of human-big cat and human-elephant conflicts in the picturesque Nilgiri Plateau of the Western Ghats. The primary focus is on the Nilgiri Plateau, encompassing the regions of Wayanad, Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Mudumalai, which serve as vital habitats for Asian elephants and Bengal tigers.

The Nilgiri Plateau is an integral part of the Western Ghats, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. However, the increasing conflicts between humans and wildlife in this region, coupled with the diminishing principles of coexistence, have led to a shift in local communities’ perception. This been posing a threat to both wildlife and the locals themselves. To address this critical situation, a sustained and consistent intervention is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of human-wildlife conflicts in the Nilgiri Plateau.

Herd of wild elephants in a village in Wayanad | Photograph by Prashant

At the Wayanad Conflict Mitigation Project, we collaborate closely with major stakeholders, including the forest department, media organizations, panchayats (local self-governments), and local communities to tackle conflict situations within the landscape. One of our key strategies involves the establishment of Primary Response Teams, dedicated units that work in conflict hotspots across the Wayanad district of Kerala. These teams operate in close coordination with all stakeholders to swiftly and effectively mitigate conflicts, reducing response times and alleviating the issues on-site.

In line with our goals, the project has been diligently training and equipping frontline forest staff in the intricacies of human-wildlife conflict management. Over the course of 2022-2023, we have successfully conducted three basic courses on human-wildlife conflict mitigation, targeting 75 frontline forest staff from three forest divisions in Wayanad district, Kerala.

Join us in our mission to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife in the Nilgiri Plateau and protect one o the most important biospheres in the country.

PARTNERS: Kerala Forest Department

PROJECT LEAD: Ramith M