Wildlife-Human Conflict in Kandyan Homegardens in Sri Lanka: A situational analysis

Abstract

Abstract The wild animal damage in the Kandyan homegardens (KHs) system has increased at an alarming rate over the last two decades. The harmful impact of wild animal damage on homegarden crops cannot be overstated. The objective of this study was to assess the current extent of crop damage caused by wild animals within the KHs and address the existing gap in comprehensive scientific research on this topic. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 60 homegardens in Kandy district over the four months period and the quadrat method was used to assess the severity of the wild animal damage in six selected homegardens over the period of two months. The risk index and severity index were used to assess the risk and the severity of the wild animal damage. The study focused to assess the effectiveness of existing control methods and gathered ethnobiological knowledge that could aid in reducing damage caused by wild animals. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and descriptive statistics. The study highlighted the urgent need to address wild animal damage as a major problem in the KHs. The highest risk index was observed for wild boars (0.870), followed by monkeys (0.833), porcupines (0.790), and giant squirrels (0.550). This damage not only results in yield losses and physical damages but also poses a great threat to financial stability of rural and peri-urban communities. While the peacock attack currently does not pose a significant threat within the KHs system, it remains a significant concern in specific regions of the country. The current methods being used to control wild animal attacks in the KHs are inadequate, emphasizing the need for an immediate and well-defined strategic plan to address the issue.