Man–Animal Conflict Due to Biodiversity Loss in the Terai Region of Uttar Pradesh: A Geographical Study of Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich
Acceptance: 29/09/2026
Published: 28/10/2026
Abstract
Man–animal conflict, more commonly termed human–wildlife conflict, has become a major challenge for biodiversity conservation and rural development in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich are particularly important because they contain internationally significant Terai ecosystems, protected forests, wetlands, grasslands, agricultural landscapes, and wildlife corridors connected to Nepal. The close proximity of wildlife habitats to cultivated fields and settlements creates opportunities for human–wildlife encounters, sometimes resulting in crop damage, livestock losses, human injuries, fatalities, and retaliatory harm to wildlife. Biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, changing resource availability, and poorly planned land use can intensify these pressures, although conflict varies by species and location. This paper examines the ecological and geographical relationship between biodiversity change and human–wildlife conflict, with particular reference to Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. It adopts a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical methodology based on published research, conservation reports, and government sources. The paper also proposes a GIS and remote-sensing framework for identifying potential conflict hotspots and prioritising interventions. It argues that sustainable management requires habitat and corridor conservation, community participation, reliable early-warning systems, safe agricultural practices, fair compensation, and coordinated landscape planning. The study concludes that the long-term objective should be to reduce harmful encounters while protecting biodiversity and safeguarding the livelihoods of communities living in the Terai landscape.
Keynote: Human–wildlife conflict, biodiversity loss, Terai, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, habitat fragmentation, GIS, wildlife conservation, sustainable development.
Author Name:
Dr. Birendra Kumar Yadav
Pages:
554-566
DOI Number:
10.5281/zenodo.23992040
Country:
India
Orcid:
Full Article
Full Article
Reference
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Writer Name
Dr. Birendra Kumar Yadav
Pages
554-566
DOI Numbers
10.5281/zenodo.23992040
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