Human–Wild Pig Conflict in Selected States in India and Mitigation Strategies

We investigated the human–wild pig conflict in 5 different states in India. In these states, the wild pig populations are fragmented and relatively isolated all over. Agricultural crop depredation and attacks on humans being by wild pigs is a major problem. During 1990-2008, a total 309 human killing and injury cases were caused by wild pigs in these states. There was marked monthly variation in human casualties. Highest number of casualties occurred in November (n = 61). Wild pigs caused maximum human casualties in forests (73.8%) than crop fields (21.7%) and villages (4.5%). Highest number of 92 human casualties occurred in the age group of 41-50 years. Highest number of 97 human casualties occurred between 0801-1200 h (n = 97). Damage to agricultural crops by wild pigs was of varying extent (5-36%). As a result, people have developed antagonistic attitude towards the wild pigs which adversely affect the conservation efforts. Recommendations have been made for reducing the human–wild pig conflict in these states.