Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has constituted a 11-member expert committee for finding solutions to the persisting human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala. The committee comprises world famous conservation scientist Dr Alexendra Zimmermann.   

The committee also includes Dr Benno Boer (Natural Scientist, UNESCO), Dr Boominathan (Representative, WWF India), Dr Shiju Sebastian (Christ University), Dr Tarsh Thekaekara (Researcher-Conservationist), the Wildlife Institute of India, Directors of Kerala Forest Research Institute, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Representatives of Wildlife Trust of India, Former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests O P Kaler, and Raman Sulkumar (IISC). The committee will be presided by the state forest department chief, the additional PCCF will act as the convenor.

The committee will provide recommendations on long-term projects to be implemented on forest borders. It will also give reasons for wild animals venturing outside jungles and also help in finding solutions at a local level in addition to raising awareness on the issue.

A few days ago, the cabinet had instructed the forest department to constitute an expert committee for finding solutions to the human-wildlife conflicts in the state.

Dr Alexendra Zimmermann has been conducting research on such conflicts for over two decades. He has helped in launching similar projects in different nations.