Abstract

Crop damage by wild animals in Kerala was studied during the years 1993 to 1996. The data were collected from the offices of the Kerala Forest Department, field survey and from the intensive study area at Marayur, Idukki District. Fortyfive species of crops were destroyed by wild animals in Kerala and major among them were paddy (Oryza sativa), coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), plantains (Musa so.), cassava (Manihotesculenta), arecanut (Areca catechu), coffee (Coffea arabica, oil palm (Elacis guineensis), pepper (Piper nigrum), jack tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus), mulberry (Morus alba) and mango (Mangifera indica). The main animals involved in crop damage were elephant (Elephas maximus), gaur(Bos gaurus), sambar (Cervus unicolor), wild boar (Sus scrofa), bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata), common langur (Presbytis entellus), blacknapped hare (Lepus nigricollis) and pea fowl (Pavo cristatus). Among these, elephhant and wild boar did maximum damage. Of the total compensation claimed by the farmers only 8.2 was sanctioned by the Kerala Forest Department. Highest crop damage (30) was recorded from the forest Ranges coming under the Northern Circle: pineapple (47), sweet potato (47), tapioca (42), alocassia( 39), beans (25) and plantations (23) recorded highest percentage of damage. In the intensive study area at Marayur 28 species of crops were damaged and highest damage was during the summer months. At Marayur maximum damage was by elephant(72) followed by gaur (62), sambar (17) and wild boar (16). Tiger (panthera tigris, panther (Panthhera paradus) and wild dog (Cuon alpinus) were the main cattle lifters in the state. a total of 31 deaths and 64 injuries caused by wild animals were recorded from the state during the period 1983 to 1993. Thirteen indigenous methods used for controlling the cropdamage had been identified. High voltage electric fencing using energiser was effective for stopping elephants and other herbivores from entering the agriculture fields. Washing soap was found efficent in stopping entry of sambar into orchards for short periods. Crop damage is found to be linked to the cropping pattern and location of the agriculture fields. Short term and log-term measures needed to prevent the crop damage are discussed