CONSERVATION CHALLENGES

Livestock grazing

The 'Land of the Tiger' is also home to the largest population of livestock in the world. With over 1/6th of the world's human population we also account to 15% of the world's livestock population. These buffaloes, sheep, goats, cows pose a serious concern to our protected areas which are restricted to just 3% of our country's landscape. Livestock compete with wild herbivores grazing away the precious food resources. This directly depletes the densities of wild ungulates itself. Apart from competing for food they also pass on deadly diseases like foot and mouth, rinderpest, anthrax, etc. to the wild ungulates.

According to studies (M.D.Madhusudhan, persn com) intensively grazed areas in Bandipur Tiger Reserve had 25-31% lesser palatable forage biomass and there were also significantly fewer species of plants that were palatable to wild herbivores. Results of the study also showed that striking reduction in the abundance of trees saplings, suggesting that natural regeneration of forests was also being affected. Excessive densities of cattle compact the earth as they walk, reducing soil fertility and productivity.

Yet another new threat is commercial livestock farming in and around forest areas. These livestock farms don't have any pasture land. They are partly dependent on nearby forests for grazing purposes.

	Livestock grazing in protected areas reduces palatable forage for wild herbivores

Other challenges:
>> Progressive loss of habitat
>> Illegal hunting and wildlife trade
>> Commercial exploitation of forests
>> Removal of dead and fallen trees
>> Collection of minor forest produce
>> Fire
>> Unscientific management practices