South African wildlife experts train Maharashtra officials on human-wildlife conflict management

The discussions focused on field-level applications, safety measures, ethical practices and ecosystem-based management. Pic/Special Arrangement

The Maharashtra Forest Department organised an international training session in Pune on Friday to strengthen the skills of officers working in areas affected by human-wildlife conflict, officials said.

Two experts from South Africa - Hein Schoeman, a wildlife capture specialist, and Dr Josephine Skaarup Petersson, a wildlife veterinarian - led the interaction. They shared global practices on wildlife capture, conflict mitigation, population management and safe handling techniques.

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The discussions focused on field-level applications, safety measures, ethical practices and ecosystem-based management. Officers actively participated and shared challenges faced during real conflict situations in Maharashtra.

The event was held under the guidance of Ashish Thakare, Conservator of Forests, Pune Circle, in collaboration with RESQ Charitable Trust.

More than 40 officers from the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Junnar, Pune and Solapur divisions attended the session. These officers regularly deal with difficult wildlife situations, boundary management and conflict zones.

Conservator Ashish Thakare said that although conditions in South Africa are different, the principles and methods shared were very useful. He added that such sessions help officers gain broader perspectives and improve their skills.

Tuhin Satarkar, Director of Wildlife Operations at RESQ Charitable Trust, said that knowledge exchange strengthens decision-making and helps build long-term partnerships that benefit wildlife conservation.