Insights into illegal wildlife hunting by forest guards of selected tiger reserves in Central India

Illegal wildlife hunting is an anthropogenic threat to global fauna with a cascading detrimental effect on the ecosystems. India imposed a blanket ban on hunting of all indigenous species (except Schedule V species) in 1991 (Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 amended) yet, wildlife hunting continues in a clandestine nature. The study is aimed at addressing three key issues: (i) drivers of illegal hunting, hunting practices, and trends in illegal hunting in the last decade; (ii) reasons for the dependence of local communities on protected areas; and (iii) awareness of the law among the local communities, through the lens of frontline-forest staff. An exploratory analysis is presented by surveying 415 forest guards. The results highlight (i) rising threat of retaliation hunting especially using electrical wires and snares, (ii) a perceived decline in illegal hunting trends in the last decade, (iii) dependence of local communities on firewood and non-timber forest produce, and (iv) there is awareness about the wildlife laws and policies at the grass-root level. This research provides insights for harnessing the knowledge of the forest guards for improving conservation strategies of protected areas, especially in the Tiger Landscapes of India.

Automated summary

Illegal wildlife hunting poses a serious threat to global ecosystems, and despite the blanket ban on hunting in India since 1991, clandestine hunting activities continue. This study surveyed forest guards and provided insights into the drivers, trends, and local community dependence on protected areas related to illegal hunting. The findings highlight new threats and the importance of local livelihoods in conservation efforts.