Context:
Recently, A biodiversity conservation organisation, Aaranyak, has revealed a concerning increase in human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the Majuli River Island district of Assam.
Objective: The six-day survey was conducted to explore ways to secure the growing population of one-horned rhinos that have strayed onto the river island from Kaziranga National Park.
- The study involved about 110 households, local communities, Satradhikars (head priests of Vaishnavite monasteries), forest officials and law enforcement agencies to assess the escalating challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the area.
About Majuli Island
- It is the world’s largest river island located in the state of Assam Nestled in the mighty Brahmaputra River.
- It is a long, narrow piece of land called Majoli (land in the middle of two parallel rivers).
- It is formed between the Brahmaputra River in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti joined by the Subansiri River in the north.
- It was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit.
- It is spread over an area of approximately 880 sq km. However, over time, the size has decreased to 880 Sq Km (340 sq mi) as of 2014 due to erosion.
- The island’s wetlands, riverine forests, and water bodies are home to a variety of wildlife, particularly migratory birds.
- It became the first island to be made a district in India in 2016.
- It is inhabited by the peoples of three tribes, namely the Deori, Assamese, and the Mising.