IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Rawshan, K.; Feeroz, M.M.; Giordano, A.J.; Hasan, M.K. | |
| Use of the media to characterize recent trends in human-wildlife conflict in Bangladesh: 1990-2010 | |
| 2014 Book Chapter | |
Bangladesh has converted extensive areas including tropical forest for agriculture, those were crucial habitats for many species. As a result human-wildlife conflict has increased in many parts of the country, and will likely continue to do so if deforestation and forest degradation show no sign of abating. Little is known however about the extent of human-wildlife in around Bangladesh, the number and diversity of taxa that engage in conflicts, and the conflict trend in the country through time. This study reviewed anecdotal media-reported accounts of human-wildlife conflict over the past two decades in Bangladesh. These accounts, reported in major daily newspapers based in Dhaka, were reviewed at five year intervals over the 20 year span between 1990-2010. We documented a total of 422 human-wildlife conflict incidents that involved 89 different species. We determined that trends in the frequency of conflict as reported by media increased significantly over this 20 year period and were highest in 2010. A total of 8.89% of all native species were reported as engaging in some conflict-related activities. Though birds represented the greatest taxonomic diversity of all species involved (56.18%), mammals were subject of the greatest number of total conflict incidents (63.74%). Bengal Tigers were the most often reported conflict species (19.43%) and were reported every year. Asian Elephant (13.51%), birds of many species (14.45%), and snakes often reported moderately (17.06%) were also reported in some conflict-related incident every year. Lack of an effective infrastructure for addressing conflict-related issues involving wildlife represents an immediate obstacle to mitigation, particularly in rural areas. We believe that to quickly and efficiently address these issues nationwide, it is imperative that various departments of national and local governments, conservation NGO's, and local community leaders should work cooperatively, share expertise, and provide supporting resources to those experiencing conflict problems. |
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