Impact of changing cropping pattern on man-animal conflicts around Gir P.A. with specific reference to Talala Taluka.
Vijayan S., Pati B. P.
Author Affiliation: Wildlife Division, Gir National Park & Sanctuary (Gujarat), India.
Indian Forester 127 : 1121-1133
Abstract : The extent of cropping pattern changes, the adverse effects of wildlife, the frequency of straying incidence of wildlife in different farmland, and wild animal mortality injury, were assessed and correlated to determine the impact of changing crop patterns in Talala Taluka, Gujarat, India. Farmers are changing to sugarcane and mango cultivation, leaving their own traditional crops like groundnuts, wheat, etc. Large-scale cultivation of sugarcane and mango orchards in peripheral villages has allowed development of a dense cover, which has carnivores like lions (Panthera leo persica) and leopards (Panthera pardus) from the forests. The presence of big cats in farmlands has given rise to fear psychosis among labourers and in turn affects the harvesting of crops and results in loss of man-days and money.