A Survey of Crop Damage by Wild Animals in Kerala

Abstract

A survey was conducted to determine the crop damage by wild animals in Kerala. The data were collected from the office record of the Divisional Forest Offices and by visiting the field. Major crops destroyed by wild animals in Kerala are paddy (Oryza sativa), coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), plantains (Musa sp.), arecanut (Aareca catechu), coffee (Coffea arabica), tea (Thea sinensis), rubber (Havea braziliensis), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), Pepper (Piper nigrum), Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), tapioca (Manihot utilissium), etc. Maximum crop damage was recorded from the Wynaad Wildlife Sanctuary, Elephant (Elephas maximus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Porcupine (Hystrix indica), Gaur (Bos gaurus), Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata), Common Langur (Presbytis entellus) are the main animals involved in crop damage. Out of the total compensation claimed only 8.2% was disbursed by the Forest Department. It is found that high voltage electric fencing using energizer is very effective for stopping elephants from entering agricultural fields.