Developing Vulnerability Index for Human Wildlife Conflict in Kerala Pilot study

Author : Amritha Prem, Dr. Smitha M.V

Abstract : Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) has emerged as a critical environmental and socio-economic challenge in Kerala. Kerala, despite having 29.67% forest cover and rich ecological diversity, continues to witness rising incidents of human deaths, crop destruction, livestock loss and property damage. Existing studies, policies and response mechanisms remain largely reactive, fragmented and inadequately integrated. This study tried to provide, quantitative approach towards human–wildlife conflict vulnerability in Kerala. The framework developed will helps identify areas experiencing severe conflict, and locations where intervention is urgently required. The spatial outputs enable planners and decision-makers to distinguish between high, medium and low vulnerability zones, allowing for more targeted and efficient allocation of resources in Kerala. Overall, the study provides a decision-support tool that can assist forest departments, local governments and planners in prioritising mitigation measures, improving conflict preparedness and designing context-sensitive strategies for reducing human–wildlife conflict in Kerala.

Keywords : Quantitative framework to map human–wildlife conflict vulnerability in Kerala zonesrs

Conference Name : International Conference on Functional Biodiversity and Sustainable Agroecosystems (ICFBSA-26)

Conference Place : Trivandrum, India

Conference Date : 29th Mar 2026