Recently a six-day survey conducted by Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organization, highlighted a rise in human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the Majuli River Island district of Assam.

Key Findings of the Study

• The primary objective of the survey was to explore ways to secure the growing population of one-horned rhinos that have strayed from Kaziranga National Park onto the river island.
• More than 110 households, local communities, Satradhikars (head priests of Vaishnavite monasteries), forest officials, and law enforcement agencies participated in the survey.
• The study covered two key regions:
  • Namoni Majuli (including Sesuguri, Lobak Khutar, and Ahotoguri Island)
  • Ujoni Majuli (stretching from Kamalabari Ghat to Gejera).
• 90% of the local population depends on agriculture, making human-wildlife conflict a major threat to their livelihoods.
• Rhinos, wild buffaloes, wild boars, elephants, and even tigers frequently damage crops and livestock, leading to economic distress.

Human-Wildlife Conflict and Its Impacts

• Farmers face significant crop losses due to frequent wildlife intrusion.
• Livestock losses and damage to property contribute to economic hardships.
• Encounters with wildlife pose safety risks for local residents.
• Increased conflict may lead to retaliatory actions against animals, further escalating conservation challenges.

Key Stakeholder Engagements and Conservation Needs

• Researchers from Aaranyak’s Rhino Research and Conservation Division (RRCD) led the survey.
• Aaranyak emphasized the need for sustainable human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies, including:
  • Enhanced community awareness programs
  • Improved conservation policies
  • Tailored management plans for Majuli’s unique ecological and geographical challenges

Positive Ecological Observations

• The survey identified a thriving population of migratory birds in Majuli’s wetlands.
• Notable species include: Glossy ibis, black-headed ibis, Indian spot-billed ducks, Greylag geese, bar-headed geese, and purple swamp hens.
  • These findings reinforce Majuli’s status as an ecological hotspot with rich biodiversity.

About Majuli River Island

• Meaning: Majuli translates to ‘The land between two parallel rivers’.
• Formation: Created by the Brahmaputra River in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti (a distributary of the Brahmaputra) joined by the Subansiri River in the north.
• Geographical Status:
  • Recognized as the world’s largest river island.
  • Located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
  • Became India’s first island district in 2016.

Agricultural and Ecological Importance

• Rice cultivation is the primary livelihood of Majuli’s residents.
• The island is known for unique rice varieties, such as:
  • Komal Saul (soft rice) and Bao Dhan (deepwater rice).
• Majuli’s wetlands and forests support rich biodiversity, making conservation efforts critical for maintaining its ecological balance.

Cultural and Ethnic Diversity of the Region

• Home to a diverse mix of tribal communities, including:
  • Mishing, Deoris, Ahoms, and Sonowal Kacharis.
• Ali Aye Ligang festival is a prominent spring festival of the Mishing tribe, celebrated in mid-February.
• Majuli is the hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, dating back to the 16th century.
• The culture was influenced by Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva, who initiated the tradition of Satras (monastic institutions).
• Cultural Heritage and Traditional Arts: Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) preserve Assamese traditions, including:
  • Sattriya dance, theatre (Bhaona), mask-making, literature, and boat-making.
  • The island is also known for its unique pottery-making traditions.