Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – July 5, 2025: In an unprecedented initiative to mitigate the escalating human-wildlife conflicts in the region, the Kerala state forest department and the Kerala Forest Research Institute have joined forces to document traditional tribal wisdom about wildlife behavior.
The collaboration aims to leverage the centuries-old knowledge of the indigenous tribes living in the forests, particularly the Muthuvan tribe residing near Nilambur, to address the growing concerns related to animal-human encounters. One such unique method documented during this project is the use of rotten sardines as a deterrent for wild animals.
Chinnaraja Moopan of Muthuvan, one of the participants in this project, shared his insights about wildlife behavior, stating that monkeys are not deterred by stones pelted by women, but they can be scared away using a specific technique involving a stick and a coconut. He also revealed that bears returning to a spot three-four times may indicate that they are feeling threatened and are likely to attack.
Mr. Moopan further explained how one can read elephant behavior from the manner in which it folds its trunk or sways its ears. He said, “For instance, if an elephant holds its trunk upwards and doesn’t fold it, it might mean that it is angry. If it folds its trunk in a specific way, it could be indicating fear.”
The project also highlights various tactics used to deter animals from entering villages or farmlands. Raju, another participant, shared his knowledge about using rotten sardines as a means of keeping wild animals at bay. “We hang rotten sardines in the trees near our villages to keep bears and other animals away,” he said.
The project’s findings could potentially revolutionize wildlife management strategies in Kerala, providing a more harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. This initiative underscores the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and integrating it with modern conservation practices.
