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For last few decades human-animal conflicts post a great threat to both wildlife and human
existence. In West Bengal most of the encounters between human and animal is recorded from the
northern districts. The study shows that although the stretch of forestry area is relatively
unsatisfactory compared to the desired level , however, there has been an increase in population of
some flagship species viz., Indian bison, Indian leopard, Indian elephant in recent times .This
increase in wild population is due to imbalance in ecological food-chain. Increment in wild
population and reduction of forestry area due to several reasons (viz., encroachment, human
development etc) has increased the chances of human-animal conflict cases. The main objective of
this study is to present the current status of forestry area, the population status of Indian bison,
Indian leopard, Indian elephant and the latest scenario of human-animal conflict in the districts of
Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri (including newly formed state of Alipurduar) and Darjeeling. The study also
shows the huge amount of human life-loss and revenue loss each year in part of central and state
government for providing ex-gratia relief owing to wild animal depredation.
Key words: conservation, flagship species, human-animal conflict, northern districts, West Bengal.