Context:

• In February 2024, an elephant captured from a coffee plantation in what was ostensibly a ‘rescue’, was radio-collared and released 200 km away in a landscape unknown to the animal.
• This resulted in it straying into the neighbouring State days later. There was yet another attempt to ‘rescue’ him which led to its death. 
• This incident calls for an understanding of the issues associated with rescuing animals in a Human-Animal conflict situation. 

Issues in Rescuing Animals in Human animal Conflict situation:

• Blurry lines between rescue and capture: There is often confusion between what constitutes a true “wildlife rescue” and a mere capture. This ambiguity can lead to inappropriate interventions that may harm animals rather than help them.
• Ignoring expert advice: Guidelines issued by the central government for managing human-wildlife conflict often advise against immediate capture and relocation of animals. However, these recommendations are frequently disregarded in the field, leading to ineffective or harmful outcomes.
• Poor handling and relocation practices: In the case of snake rescue, there is a tendency towards poor handling, unnecessary removal from habitats, and relocation to unfamiliar environments. These practices can increase stress and reduce survival prospects for the animals involved.
• Unsustainability of capture and relocation: Relocating animals can disrupt ecosystems and lead to increased conflict in the destination area. It may not always be the most ethical or effective solution to human-wildlife conflict situations.
• Villainization and divisiveness: Viewing rescue as a solution to conflict can villainize either humans or animals, creating divisiveness rather than fostering holistic community integration and conservation efforts.
• Need for proactive mitigation: Effective conflict resolution should prioritise proactive measures such as early warning systems, public education, and better waste management to reduce human-wildlife interactions before they escalate into conflict situations.
• Consideration of animal welfare: Any intervention in human-animal conflict situations should prioritise the welfare of both humans and animals involved, considering the ethical implications of capture, relocation, and other management strategies.

Measures to address concerns of animals and humans:

• Adherence to expert guidelines: Follow guidelines issued by relevant authorities, which may recommend prioritising preventative measures over immediate capture and relocation.
• Proper training and equipment: Ensure that rescue teams are properly trained in wildlife handling techniques and equipped with necessary tools for safe capture and handling of animals.
• Assessment and planning: Conduct a realistic assessment of the situation before initiating a rescue operation, considering factors such as the species involved, the nature of the conflict, and potential risks to both humans and animals.
• Ethical considerations: Prioritise the welfare of animals and minimise stress and harm during rescue operations. Avoid unnecessary removal from habitats and relocation to unfamiliar environments whenever possible.
• Clear communication: Communicate effectively with local communities to educate them about wildlife behaviour and the importance of coexistence. Encourage reporting of wildlife sightings and conflicts to facilitate early intervention.
• Use of non-lethal deterrents: Explore the use of non-lethal deterrents such as fencing, lighting, and noise devices to prevent conflicts and minimise the need for rescues.
• Collaboration and research: Collaborate with local communities, wildlife experts, and government agencies to develop and implement innovative strategies for conflict resolution. Invest in research to better understand human-wildlife interactions and identify effective mitigation measures.
• Post-release monitoring: Monitor rescued animals post-release to assess their well-being and survival in their natural habitats. Provide necessary support and intervention if animals encounter difficulties adjusting to their environment.
• Transparency and accountability: Maintain transparency in rescue operations and ensure accountability for actions taken. Evaluate the outcomes of rescue efforts to learn from successes and failures and improve future interventions.

The system followed by Karnataka State Forest Department is one of the promising approaches. It includes early warning systems, regular monitoring, fencing, better lighting, public education, and improved waste management to reduce, or better prepare communities for potential interactions with wildlife. Improvising the existing systems and innovations can help in better management of Human-Animal conflicts.