BRS: Krithi Karanth "Transforming Human-Wildlife Interactions Using Compensation, Mitigation and Conservation Education"

NOTICE this seminar will be held at 9:00am.

host: Claire Kremen

Abstract: Addressing human-wildlife interactions are a global conservation challenge. The role of mitigation, compensation payments and conservation education in resolving human-wildlife conflict are widely debated. I will share insights from almost two decades of research on human-wildlife conflict which includes examining procedures, types and payments made for conflict incidents reported in India and policy challenges. Across India, 80,000 - 100,000 incidents are reported annually (73% crop loss and property damage, 21% livestock predation, 6% human injury and < 0.4% human death). We have evaluated mitigation efforts by > 5000 households living around 11 parks. I will also present insights from two conservation interventions Wild Seve and Wild Shaale to address human-wildlife conflict. Wild Seve- a live mobile based conflict monitoring and compensation reporting program which has assisted > 16,000 claims from 600 villages, with families receiving estimated $600,000 in government payments. Wild Shaale is a conservation education program to create interest in wildlife, foster empathy and provide safety coping mechanisms. It has reached 20,350 children and 407 schools in eight wildlife reserves. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation efforts in both programs indicate a positive shift in individual and community perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife and wild places.