ANALYSING THE CAUSES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES OF TRAGIC TALE; THE HUMAN – TIGER CONFLICTS IN GARHWAL HIMALAYAN REGION OF UTTARAKHAND

Garhwal Himalayan region is a biodiversity hotspot with a rich wildlife and cultural heritage, including tigers, leopards and other wild animals. However, the increasing number of human-tiger conflicts in this region pose a significant threat to both human livelihoods and tiger conservation. This study assesses the causes of human-tiger conflicts in Garhwal Himalayan region and evaluates the effectiveness of existing mitigation strategies with a new look to better preventive measures. The underlying causes of these conflicts, emphasizing anthropogenic pressures and eventual interventions, habitat fragmentation and socio-economic factors have further been explored with greater degree of intensity. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, this research communication endeavours to offer better explanation for this tragic/pathetic situation including devising better and effective strategies for mitigating this crisis. The existing gaps in current mitigation measures have also been underlined with a proposal of multi-stakeholder approach to address the issue. Our findings and recommendations will enable the policy makers and people involved in the conservation processes to reduce this painful two- edged sharp sword of human-tiger conflicts and promote the coexistence concept of togetherness for sustained survival.