Mysore/Mysuru: Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) G. Ravindra, has opined that the increase in number of houses and resorts in the green belt inside forests, in violation of norms, is the main reason for man-animal conflict.

He was delivering a special lecture on conservation of wildlife, organised by the Department of Public Library, at City Central Library in People’s Park here yesterday.

ACF Ravindra said, while there is an increase in number of tigers and elephants and the Forest Department duly safeguarding the wildlife, there has been houses and resorts construction activities beyond the green line, leading to man-animal conflicts.

The animals won’t stay in particular or restricted areas. While tigers move out to mark their territory, the elephants and leopards stray into human habitats in search of food. When the humans resort to scare away such animals, they retaliate and attack, the minimum knowledge, people should be aware of, he added.

“Now, the unabated misusing of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has turned into a bigger menace for the Forest Department, with morphed videos being created and shared on social media, showing wild animals straying into the city. Action will be taken against the pranksters,” warned ACF Ravindra.

Awareness should be created among the students and public about legal matters and action they have to face for disturbing law and order. The public should have an understanding of such complex matters, he said.

Dr. Honnavalli N. Kumar, Principal Scientist, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Tamil Nadu, said, he has dedicated 30 years of his life in the study of wildlife. The conservation of wildlife is the duty of all and every public should discharge his duties responsibly.

Prof. Mewa Singh from Department of Psychology, University of Mysore, Deputy Director of City Central Library B. Manjunath, Deputy Director of Rural Central Library Suma Prakash and H.N. Kumar were present.