Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: With wildlife increasingly venturing beyond protected forests into human-inhabited areas across Goa, the state’s Forest Department has reached out to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) seeking assistance to assess wildlife presence and help devise conflict mitigation strategies.
In an official communication dated 10 July 2025, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Goa, noted that the state’s extensive green cover has led to wildlife being spotted not just in forests but also in surrounding landscapes, including human settlements. This trend has triggered a spike in human-wildlife conflict incidents, resulting in damage to life, property, and wildlife.
To address this growing concern, the department has proposed a detailed study of wildlife found outside Protected Areas (PAs) in the state. The suggested scope of the study includes mapping conflict zones, identifying wildlife corridors, creating species-specific vulnerability maps, evaluating threats, and developing targeted mitigation measures.
A preliminary discussion has already been held with Dr. Bilal Habib, Scientist-F at WII, regarding the initiative. The Forest Department has now requested the institute to prepare a concept note, outlining the methodology for the study, potential solutions for human-animal conflict resolution, and a financial estimate for the proposed project.
Authorities have stressed the need for urgent action and requested that the proposal be submitted at the earliest in the larger interest of wildlife conservation and community safety.
