KHERONI: A large python was rescued from the Kheroni region of the West Karbi Anglong district of Assam late on Monday night.
The large python measured about 6 feet in length and was said to weigh about 25 kilograms. It was noticed at the colony of the Kheroni Veterinary Clinic and the workers of the clinic with help from the local people were able to rescue the reptile.
The snake was released in the Amreng Reserve Forest on Tuesday morning by the officials of the Forest Department in Kheroni.
Assam is home to several endangered species, including the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and tigers. The destruction and fragmentation of their habitats have resulted in these animals venturing into human settlements in search of food and shelter. This has led to an escalating number of incidents involving attacks on humans, livestock depredation, and damage to crops.
The increase in the human population and rapid urbanization has resulted in the expansion of human settlements into previously uninhabited areas, including forest fringes and corridors. This encroachment disrupts the natural movement patterns of wildlife, causing them to come into close proximity with human beings. As a result, conflicts arise, causing harm to both humans and animals.
One of the major reasons behind the rise in man-animal conflict in Assam is the shrinking of wildlife habitats. Industrialization, construction of roads and railways, and deforestation have significantly reduced the available forest cover. This loss of natural habitats forces animals to move closer to human settlements in search of food and shelter, leading to an increase in encounters between humans and wildlife.
Another contributing factor to the conflict is the loss of traditional livelihood options for local communities. Many communities in Assam depend on agriculture, which is susceptible to wildlife depredation. Crop raiding by elephants, for instance, leads to substantial economic losses for farmers, exacerbating the conflict between humans and animals.
The rise in the human-animal conflict brings forth a need for effective mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife. One such strategy is the implementation of early warning systems to alert communities about the presence of wildlife in the vicinity. This can help in keeping people informed and taking necessary precautions to prevent conflicts.
Additionally, the establishment of dedicated response teams can play a crucial role in managing human-animal conflicts. These teams can be trained to handle emergency situations and safely relocate animals back to their natural habitats. They can also assist in providing compensation to affected communities for livestock losses and crop damage, thereby reducing the economic burden on them.
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