Movement of bison in residential areas has reportedly led to concern for villagers of Casavarnem in Pernem. Recently a herd of bison were seen moving in the residential area of the village. According to the villagers earlier the wild animals used to enter their plantations. However, they have now shown their presence in the village area. There have been incidents wherein two-wheeler-riders have been injured as a result of hitting a bison moving on the road. It is learnt that not only bison but wild boars and leopards are also moving in the village area. This has put fear in the mind of the villagers even to move out of their homes as they could encounter a wild animal. Just the other day a cow was killed by a leopard in Pernem. Local villagers have called for action from the authorities concerned including trapping the wild cat responsible for the attack. The villagers have alleged that the construction of the Mopa airport and other projects coming up in the area are forcing the wild animals to move out of their habitats. This should come as a wake-up call not to allow construction activities by carrying out deforestation and hill-cutting. It must be said that as a result of the construction activities, wildlife habitat is getting hit. Animals have the right to coexist. In Goa even private forests have been converted to settlement zones. This will only increase the human-wildlife conflicts.
