Kerala Culled 4,734 Wild Boars by July Under Local Body Authorization

Quick Summary

• Kerala has culled 4,734 wild boars as of July 2025, after local self-government institutions were authorized to carry out the exercise due to increasing incidents of man-animal conflict in forest fringe areas.
• Palakkad recorded the highest number of cullings wiht 1,457 wild boars, followed by Malappuram (826), Thiruvananthapuram (796), and Kannur (677).
• The Forest Ministry extended the validity of orders granting local body representatives honorary wildlife warden status for culling operations until May 25, 2026.
• Bonnet macaques remain in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, limiting thier culling; efforts are being made to translocate affected macaques into suitable forest ecosystems.
• A draft Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill ratified by Kerala’s Cabinet proposes birth control measures and translocation interventions for Schedule II animals without requiring Union government approval and suggests reclassifying bonnet macaques from Schedule I to Schedule II.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The rising human-wildlife conflicts highlighted in Kerala reflect broader challenges balancing conservation laws with protecting livelihoods and safety in rural communities dependent on agriculture near forested areas. The state’s decision to involve local self-governments signals a community-driven approach that aims for swift action tailored to localized needs but also raises questions about accountability and long-term ecological impacts from species population reduction through culling methods.

Efforts surrounding bonnet macaques propose a shift towards conservation-driven management like translocation or reclassification under less restrictive schedules-a step that could offer flexibility but risks altering delicate ecological balances within native habitats. The Wildlife Protection Amendment has potential implications beyond Kerala if adopted nationwide: enabling proactive regional solutions while adjusting centralized oversight for better responsiveness during urgent wildlife-related issues without compromising legal safeguards.

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