Human Wildlife Conflict: A Growing Threat to Biodiversity | Golden Age

Human wildlife conflict (HWC) refers to the interactions between humans and wildlife that result in negative impacts on both humans and animals. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), HWC is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss, with an estimated 75% of all species experiencing some level of conflict with humans. The conflict often arises from competition for resources such as land, water, and food, with humans encroaching on wildlife habitats and wildlife encroaching on human settlements. For instance, in 2020, the Indian government reported over 1,400 human deaths due to tiger attacks, highlighting the severity of the issue. The economic impact of HWC is also significant, with estimated losses ranging from $1 billion to $3 billion annually. As human populations continue to grow and expand, the need for effective HWC mitigation strategies becomes increasingly urgent, with some experts advocating for a more holistic approach that incorporates both human and wildlife needs.