Mon Oct 06 13:55:27 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Farmers in the hilly regions of Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Ernakulam, India are increasingly facing issues with smaller animals like monkeys, squirrels, and wild pigs, rather than the larger animals that used to be the primary concern. These animals are damaging crops and affecting livelihoods. The Forest department is responding with mitigation efforts and seeking collaboration with other government departments to address this changing human-animal conflict.

**News Article:**

**Small Creatures, Big Problem: Farmers in Kerala’s High Range Face New Threat**

**IDUKKI, October 6, 2025** – For generations, farmers in the high-range districts of Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Ernakulam have lived with the fear of elephants, leopards, and tigers raiding their lands. However, a new and unexpected challenge is emerging: smaller animals such as Bonnet Macaques, Malabar Giant Squirrels, and wild pigs are causing increasing damage to crops and livelihoods.

According to the Forest Department, complaints from farmers now overwhelmingly cite these smaller creatures as the primary source of conflict. Data from the ongoing mitigation drive reveals that the Kothamangalam, Neryamangalam, and Erumely divisions have received the highest number of complaints, largely concerning damage caused by these animals.

In the cardamom-growing region of Idukki, Bonnet Macaques are particularly problematic, with farmers spending considerable amounts on deterrents. Squirrels are gnawing through tender pods, while wild pigs are destroying roots and field boundaries.

“All farming areas, excluding tea plantations, are heavily damaged by these three species,” a forest official stated.

Job J. Neriamparambil, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Research), highlighted the department’s plan to convene a district-level monitoring committee to address the evolving situation. The Forest department intends to collaborate with other government departments to protect the livelihoods of people living alongside these animals.

The shift in the nature of human-animal conflict reflects the shrinking habitats and expanding settlements, blurring the lines between forest and farmland. The changing pattern highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that address the impact of these creatures.

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