A series of community-based initiatives around Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary have proven effective in decreasing human–animal conflict (HAC) and enhancing local support for the conservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Spanning 38.81 square kilometers, Pobitora is home to 107 rhinos, the highest density globally. Challenges for conservation arise from surrounding agrarian villages experiencing crop damage and safety threats from wild animals, particularly buffaloes and rhinos. Conservation organization Aaranyak, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and supported by IUCN (CAG), has initiated various strategies to mitigate these issues and promote coexistence.
Key interventions include the installation of solar streetlights in nine high-conflict villages, which resulted in zero HAC incidents last year, leading to requests from 20 additional villages for similar installations. Furthermore, Aaranyak has constructed raised concrete watch platforms in four villages to enhance farmer safety while monitoring their fields at night. Additionally, 15 community-based Anti-Depredation Squads (ADS) have been formed, comprising around 120 volunteers who conduct night patrols and alert villagers of nearby wild animals, equipped with torchlights for enhanced visibility.
Moreover, a pilot livelihood project aimed at local women encourages the cultivation of cash crops like Bhoot Jolokia using a climate-resilient model, increasing household incomes and reducing economic vulnerability. Collectively, these measures seek to establish a sustainable coexistence model for humans and wildlife in this vital rhino habitat.