Abstract:
Global population growth drives widespread deforestation as people clear
natural forests for expanding settlements. This forces wild animals to
encroach on human habitats in search of food, water, and other necessities
Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC) rises, notably in Ampara district, due to
habitat loss. This study aimed to understand the basis of the HWC in the
Ampara district. Six Divisional Secretarial Divisions (DSD) belonging to the
Ampara district, were selected based on the largest population and amount
of cultivated land. Where sample number was derived using Morgan table. A
total of 120 farmers were recruited for data collection with 20 randomly
selected farmers each from one DSD. According to results, peacocks
(30.8%), wild elephants (28%) and monkeys (26.3%) did the most damage
to the farmlands. They have damaged paddy cultivation (21.8%), green gram
cultivation (17%), cowpea cultivation (14.3%) maize (9.1%) and banana
(7.9%). However, it was confirmed that compensation money will not be
received for those crop damages. Moreover, there is great frustration among
the farmers regarding the intervention of the related institutions to drive away
the wild animals. Although various methods are used to repel wild animals,
the success of those methods is very low. Certain methods cause harm to
human and animals. A lot of physical property has also been damaged. The
main reasons for wild animals to come to farmlands and villages are
proximity to forest, increased wild animals’ population and availability of
food from home gardens.
