A Study on Socio-Economic Aspects of Wildlife Offences in a Few Districts of Madhya Pradesh (India)

Abstract

The socio-economic aspects of the wildlife offences were studied and analysed through the secondary data from Forest Department and village level forest committees and the primary data from field surveys in four districts of Madhya Pradesh. A participatory approach has been adopted involving the people in the data generation process through individual and focus group discussions and scheduling using PRA and RRA techniques. The study indicated that socio-economic reasons play an important role in the wildlife offences. Traditional systems and practices and also the livelihood needs contribute towards the wildlife offences. The legal and the institutional framework although regulate the occurrence and intensity of the offences but the effectiveness of the laws need to be more meticulously scrutinized in the light of the socioeconomic set up of the communities. The indigenous communities can play an important role in the wildlife management and regulation and control of the wildlife offences. The capacity building of the communities, ensuring the suitable alternatives to the dependence of communities on wildlife through their involvement at all levels of management and suitable changes in the laws and acts are some of the areas which need special attention for effective management of the wildlife and wildlife offences.