Human-Wildlife Conflict

Wildlife damage refers to the economic losses caused when wildlife interacts with humans, crops, or human-made facilities, essentially representing conflicts of interest between wildlife and people. Although such damage has existed since ancient times, recent years have seen an increase in wildlife populations due to rising human population, expanding land use, growing environmental awareness, and stronger conservation efforts. This has resulted in more severe and complex conflicts. In particular, crops near mountainous areas are frequently foraged by wildlife, reducing yields and causing repeated public complaints. Consequently, wildlife damage prevention and control have become critical components of wildlife population management.

Protected wildlife species commonly causing agricultural damage include the Formosan sambar deer, the Formosan macaque, and certain protected bird species. Among birds, those frequently responsible for crop losses include the black bulbul and the Taiwan blue magpie, which feed on crops such as wax apples, peaches, jujubes, loquats, persimmons, grapes, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and peas; the tawny fish owl, which preys on trout; and the crested goshawk, which preys on free-range chickens. Among mammals, the Formosan macaque is of greatest public concern. Many crops grown in mountainous areas serve as potential food sources for macaques, including Moso bamboo shoots (especially moso bamboo shoots in spring), Makino bamboo shoots, longans, lychees, bananas, citrus fruits, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, pears, persimmons, peaches, plums, tomatoes, custard apples, guavas, loquats, pumpkins, corn, sweet potatoes, and cassava. Fruit crops are vulnerable from the growing period until harvest, bamboo shoots are at risk as soon as they emerge from the ground, and crops such as pineapple leaves, sweet potatoes, and cassava may be consumed year-round without seasonal limitation.

Currently, the management of crop damage caused by protected wildlife species is regulated under the Act on Wildlife Conservation. According to Article 21, if wildlife causes damage to agricultural or forestry crops, it may be hunted or killed. However, for protected species, the situation must first be reported to the competent authority unless it is urgent. In urgent cases where reporting is not possible, humane hunting or killing methods approved by the competent authority may be used to prevent further damage. Farmers experiencing crop damage may apply to local governments for permission to hunt wildlife in accordance with the Act. Contemporary approaches to managing damage caused by protected wildlife do not rely on traditional practices of exterminating animals to protect human interests. Instead, prevention and control measures are carried out carefully, in compliance with legal requirements, without harming ecosystems, and in alignment with social values.