Introduction
The human-wildlife conflict is an issue that is becoming a very serious threat to the life of most of the endangered species the world over. According to most case studies in different parts of the world, there is a clear demonstration of the conflict and how severe it is. To avoid overlooking the matter, an analysis of the problem is of great essence which will help in boosting the conservation efforts of the species which are now proving to be endangered (Hans, 180). This paper will be based on the issue of motor vehicle collisions with world animals with a focus on European countries.
Insight into the conflicts
The issue of collisions between wildlife and motor vehicles is a major challenge in most countries owing to the unpredictability of the animals’ closing in correspondence to the vast sizes of the parks and lands which border major roadways in most European and African countries (Mishra, 341).
Most of the stakeholders who have an interest in this matter have considered the threat that is involved to road safety both to the human population and to the wildlife population. Though there has been a gross underestimation of the danger which is posed there is a dire need of taking this matter with the weight that it deserves (Hoare, 162).
There are measures of mitigating the accidents which mainly focus on the techniques applied in the prevention of the animals from crossing at some points or alerting motorists of the possibilities of such cases happening. Having no other control measures which can be fixed very fast, and the rise in the number of casualties, the conflict tends to be a great danger. Research has it that the problem has been known to cost millions of dollars to society (Naughton-Treves, 30).
The advent of technology has given rise to methods of mitigating the risks involved to a higher notch. This is however not an immediate action because the technologies which are proposed have to be verified on their functionality. There needs to be a rigorous process of validation which will then lead to a need for more funds. In Canada, for example, the collisions range from above five large animals colliding with motor vehicles hourly. Most of the accidents happen to go unnoticed due to underreporting thus an assumption of the gravity of the issue by most involved stakeholders (Messmer, 100).
Recommendation
To improve on the mitigation approaches when it comes to this matter, there should be a balance between the protection that is granted to human beings as well as to the wild animals (Koganow, 56). In this case, there can be more awareness campaigns that will aid in educating motorists in the dangers involved. At the same time, a policy for reporting the accidents should be formulated and also measures which can aid in prediction such that the matter is put in control (Harris and Gallagher, 33).
Conclusion
Human-wildlife conflicts exist in a wide variety of ways where motor vehicle collisions are just an example. The preventive measures proposed should focus on the protection of both human victims as well as animals (Butler, 27). This is because the conflict has a direct effect on both people and the animals such as loss of lives and damage to properties.
Works cited
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Hans, B. Local perceptions of Waza national Park, northern Cameroon. Environmental Conservation, 30 (2): 175-181. 2003
Harris, L.D and Gallagher, P.B, New initiatives for wildlife conservation: the need for movement corridors. In: Preserving communities and corridors. 1st ed. (Ed:Mackintosh,G) Defenders of Wildlife, Washington,DC, 11-34. 1989.
Hoare, R. The present and future use in the management of African larger mammals. Environmental Conservation, 19 (2): 160-164. 1992
Messmer, T. A. The emergence of Human Wildlife conflict: turning challenges into opportunities. International Biodegradation and Biodeterioration, 45(3): 97- 102. 2000
Mishra C. Livestock depredation by larger animals in the Indian trans-Himalaya: conflict perceptions and conservation prospects. Environmental Conservation, 24(4): 338-343. 1997
Naughton-Treves, L. Farming the forest edge: Vulnerable places and people around Kibale national Park, Uganda. Geographical Review, 87(1): 27-46. 1997
Koganow, G., Animal Collisions-Balance and Priority, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Canada 1997.