Beware of El Niño's Impact: Feed Crisis in Forests Triggers Wildlife-Human Conflicts
Climate change triggered by the El Niño phenomenon now poses a serious threat to ecosystem stability in Indonesia. Not only does it cause a water crisis for humans, but this prolonged dry spell is also severely disrupting wildlife habitats.
Experts warn that the increasingly dry environmental conditions are forcing various species to leave the forests, ultimately increasing the risk of bloody conflicts between humans and animals.
Dr Abdul Haris Mustari, a lecturer in Forest Resource Conservation and Ecotourism at IPB University, explains that rising temperatures and drought directly impact the availability of basic needs for wildlife.
“Directly, the increase in environmental temperatures and drought lead to a reduction in food and water availability for wild animals,” he stated, as quoted from the IPB University website.
The drying up of water sources and the decline in productivity of food plants—such as fruits and leaves—leave wild animals with no choice but to migrate. Areas typically limited to within the forest now extend to plantation areas and human settlements.
“Animals may leave their forest habitats towards plantation areas or even human settlements to search for food and water. This situation increases the potential for conflict between humans and wild animals,” Dr Mustari explained.
Furthermore, the threat of forest fires that often accompany prolonged dry spells worsens the situation. Fire not only destroys animal habitats but also disrupts food chains and halts natural forest regeneration processes, such as seed dispersal by animals.
“When the food chain is disrupted and forest regeneration is hindered, the ecosystem balance will also be shaken,” he clarified.
He emphasised that these disturbances could have long-term impacts on the sustainability of Indonesia’s biodiversity.
In emergency situations, animals can be safely driven away using simple tools without injuring or killing them. As a long-term solution, collaboration between the government and local figures is key to preventing further forest damage.
According to Dr Mustari, preserving forests means preserving life as a whole. He reminds us that humans and animals are part of an interconnected web of life. The extinction of one species due to habitat destruction can trigger a loss of balance that will ultimately harm humans as well.