Frequent sightings of leopards and bisons in Canacona over the last few days have alarmed the villagers. They reported an increase in incidents of domesticated animals disappearing, as well as many animals in their livestock getting injured due to the movement of wild animals. Poinguinim village has been particularly affected by the human-animal conflict.
Incidents of Injuries and Crop Damage
A villager said recently a bison was found injured after being hit by a car. Several horticulture farmers have suffered heavy losses due to bisons damaging their plantations. Many farmers fear potential damage to their crops.
Gram Sabha Demands Action
The issue was raised during the recent gram sabha by Urvi Faldesai, who demanded that the forest department implement concrete measures to control the movement of wild animals around the village and ensure the safety of people and their livestock.
Horticulturist's Ordeal
Utkrant Faldesai, a horticulturist from Velvada, said he has seen a bison as well as two calves regularly roaming inside his plantation, fearing potential crop damage. “When I spotted a bison in my plantation recently, I immediately climbed a tree and remained there for almost 45 minutes till the wild animal had left. Their constant presence in cashew orchards has heightened our fears of potential crop damage,” Faldesai said.
