Maharashtra forest dept eyes prey base augmentation for carnivores to curb human-animal conflict

THANE: (Mar 20) Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Friday said animals like monkeys and wild boars would be made available to carnivores, including leopards and tigers, in their natural habitats in sufficient numbers so that predators do not enter urban areas in search of food.

Naik was addressing a press conference here, where he announced several measures for the development of the state forest department over the next three months to create its positive image.

On the increasing instances of human-animal conflict, Naik said, "The population of tigers and leopards has grown fourfold. In order to prevent these wild animals from entering urban areas, the state will create a natural prey base of animals like monkeys, rabbits, wild boars and cattle for them in their habitats. This will prevent the carnivores from entering human settlements and urban areas."