Man-wildlife conflict in protected areas: A case study of Gaur Bos gaurus H Smith from Bhagvan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Goa

Abstract

Crop raiding by Gaur (Bos gaurus) was studied in private plantations in Bhagvan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary and Mollem National Park of Goa for a period of two years. Data was collected using a questionnaire in 15 villages within and around the sanctuary and National Park, followed by group discussions. Forest guards, locals, and owners of private plantations in the study area were interviewed for details on the period, localities of crop damage, type of crop, patterns of crop depredation and economic loss caused due to Gaur in the plantations. Indirect evidences like dung, hoof marks, and damage signs were also considered. Maximum crop raiding cases were reported in the months of March, April and May i.e. during summer (57.5 percent) and minimum cases during June, July and August i.e. during monsoons (17.5 percent). Maximum damage was caused by a medium sized herd (9-12 individuals) and most damage was caused to sugarcane crop. Farms located inside the core area were the worst affected as compared to the farms located in the periphery of the sanctuary. As a crop protection strategy, maximum farmers (64 percent) preferred manual guarding. Direct relation was observed between the climatic conditions of the park in dry months and crop raiding cases.