Kerala is grappling with a growing conflict between farmers and wild boars, but local bodies are finding it tough to manage the culling operations. Despite the state government extending the timeframe for hunting these animals, only a few panchayats and municipalities are stepping up. The reason? A lack of funds, manpower, and government support.
Farmers and local leaders say the hurdles are numerous. There aren’t enough licensed shooters, rifles are in short supply, and getting new licenses is an uphill task. Add to that the absence of provisions for bullets, and it becomes clear why many local self-government institutions (LSGIs) are struggling to keep wild boar raids in check. Some even point out that the state isn’t providing Rapid Response Teams or police assistance, making the mission nearly impossible for most.
Forest Department data reveals that 2,372 wild boars were culled till January. But with over 1,034 LSGIs in Kerala, including 287 in wildlife conflict zones, the numbers barely scratch the surface of the problem. Kodanchery panchayat president Alex Thomas, who launched one of the first hunting missions, says the Forest Department isn’t offering any real support. “The biggest issue is the shortage of licensed sharpshooters,” he explains. To cover all areas effectively, a panchayat would need at least 42 shooters—far more than what’s available.
The licensing process itself is a nightmare. Applicants must gather clearances from multiple authorities, including the SP, DFO, and RDO. Even after jumping through these hoops, the cost of a basic rifle starts at ₹10,000, with high-end models exceeding ₹1 lakh. Bullets add another financial burden at ₹150 or more per round. Thomas recalls how Kodanchery once had over 100 rifles, but after strict licensing rules kicked in, the number dropped to just 16. To cope, the panchayat even brought in shooters from Telangana’s wildlife tranquil force.
Culling isn’t just about pulling the trigger. The government provides ₹1,500 per boar killed and ₹2,000 for burial, but the job is far from simple. Geo Fox, president of Elavally Village Panchayat in Thrissur, describes the chaos—after shooting one boar, the rest scatter, making it hard to eliminate entire herds. His panchayat has spent around ₹3 lakh so far, but the effort is continuous and exhausting. Many panchayat heads accompany shooters, but the risks—both from the animals and potential legal issues—keep others away.
The wild boar problem in Kerala isn’t going away anytime soon. With local bodies stretched thin and the state offering little help, farmers continue to bear the brunt of crop destruction. While some panchayats push forward, most are left waiting for a solution that never comes.