Maharashtra Forest Minister Dismisses Goat Release Strategy to Mitigate Leopard Attacks
In a significant statement to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik clarified that the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does not authorize the deliberate release of domestic animals into wild habitats or the provision of artificial food for wildlife. This declaration came during a response to queries from MLA Shirish Kumar Naik, addressing concerns over escalating leopard attacks in the state.
Legal and Scientific Basis for Wildlife Management
Minister Naik emphasized that there is no scientific or legal foundation supporting the idea that simply supplying artificial food can entirely prevent human-wildlife conflicts. He referenced Section 9 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits the hunting of scheduled wild animals, and highlighted that artificial interference with natural animal behavior contradicts fundamental conservation principles.
"The behavior of wild animals depends on multiple factors, including habitat disturbance, prey availability, and human interference," Naik stated. "There is no evidence that providing artificial food will completely stop conflicts."
Context of the Controversial Proposal
The discussion stems from a proposal announced in December 2022, where Minister Naik had suggested releasing goats into forests to deter leopards from entering human settlements in search of prey. This plan was part of efforts to address a rise in leopard attacks, discussed during the legislature's Winter Session in Nagpur. MLA Shirish Kumar Naik had inquired whether forest department officials were ordered to release one crore goats and sheep in leopard-dominated areas and if such a scheme was permanently viable.
Alternative Measures Under the Wildlife Act
In his written reply, Minister Naik outlined alternative legal measures for managing human-wildlife conflicts. He cited Section 11 of the Act, which allows for the capture or relocation of wild animals by competent authorities in cases of serious threats to human life. Recommended strategies include:
- Capturing leopards through trained teams and releasing them into appropriate natural habitats.
- Improving habitats and enhancing natural prey populations.
- Implementing public awareness campaigns and emergency response teams.
- Establishing procedures for providing immediate financial assistance to victims of attacks.
"All these measures are implemented within the legal framework and in accordance with central government guidelines," Naik affirmed.
Compensation and Cost Considerations
Minister Naik also addressed financial aspects, noting that the state government is obligated to pay Rs 1 crore in compensation for each death caused by leopard attacks. He explained that his earlier suggestion to release goats worth Rs 1 crore into forests was intended as a preventive measure to avoid such compensation payouts, rather than a legally endorsed solution.
"Instead of paying compensation after deaths, I proposed releasing goats to prevent leopards from venturing into human habitats," he said, clarifying that this does not align with the Wildlife Act's provisions.
The minister's statements underscore a commitment to adhering to established legal and scientific protocols in wildlife conservation, rejecting ad-hoc methods that lack regulatory support.
