On the 9th of December, a public talk and discussion on issues and incidents of Human-wildlife conflict was organised at Mudhaiya Hall, Ramesh Vihar Hotel, Kotagiri. 30 persons from The Kotagiri Wildlife Association, Kotagiri Drivers Association, Kotagiri Market Association, a group of farmers from Nedugula and other interested individuals attended and participated in the discussion.
Presentations made by T Samraj and Robert Leo of Keystone Foundation kick started the event and provided structure to the forum’s discussion. Both direct and indirect causes of human-wildlife conflict were concentrated on, as were perceptions of conflict.
Representatives from the Forest Department were present as well and addressed various questions and complaints of those gathered.
This discussion is part of a series of similar discussions organised by NNHS on human-wildlife conflict, with a various different stakeholders. In October, such a discussion was held at Coonoor Club and attended by estate owners and managers and other interested individuals. Another similar forum shall be organised in Ooty in the coming months.
