Tamil Nadu: Over the past ten years, encounters between people and wild animals have claimed at least 685 lives across Tamil Nadu, highlighting a persistent and complex challenge for the state’s forest authorities. Officials note that while last year alone accounted for 43 fatalities, the broader trend points to a deeper structural problem that cannot be resolved through technology or enforcement measures alone.

Community Role Seen as Critical

Senior forest officials emphasised that meaningful reductions in conflict are unlikely without the direct involvement of communities living near forest boundaries. D. Venkatesh, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, said local participation is essential to prevent dangerous encounters. According to him, residents along forest fringes are often the first to observe changes in animal movement, making their cooperation vital for early warnings and safe responses.

Seminar Focuses on Shared Solutions

The issue was discussed in detail at a recent seminar on mitigating human-animal conflict held at the Central Academy for State Forest Service in Coimbatore. The event brought together senior officials, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Srinivas R. Reddy, along with field-level officers from regions such as Coimbatore, Hosur, Sathyamangalam, the Nilgiris, Dindigul, Kodaikanal and Tenkasi. Discussions centred on developing collaborative approaches that balance human safety with wildlife conservation.

Western Ghats Districts Most Affected

Officials pointed out that districts along the Western Ghats have emerged as conflict hotspots. Areas including Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Theni, Salem, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri report frequent interactions between people and animals, particularly elephants. These regions combine dense human settlement with critical wildlife habitats, increasing the likelihood of accidental encounters.

Ecological Changes Driving Encounters

Forest experts attribute the rising conflicts to significant ecological shifts within forest landscapes. Although many areas appear lush and green, officials describe them as “green deserts” dominated by invasive plant species that do not provide adequate food or shelter for native wildlife. This imbalance has disrupted established animal movement routes, pushing species into human-dominated areas in search of resources.

One example cited was the changing range of elephants in the Kodaikanal region. Animals once largely restricted to the Berijam area are now being sighted across district boundaries in Dindigul. Such movements, officials said, reflect habitat loss and fragmentation that force animals to adapt in ways that increase contact with people.

Human Activity Adds to Pressure

Beyond ecological factors, human actions have further intensified the problem. Encroachment into forest land, the paving of traditional mud roads into tar roads that cut through animal corridors, and the expansion of cash crop cultivation near forest edges have all narrowed safe passage for wildlife. These developments reduce buffer zones and increase the chances of sudden encounters, often with fatal consequences.

Mostly Accidental, But Increasingly Severe

While many deaths occur during unexpected encounters rather than deliberate attacks, forest officials acknowledged that human-induced disturbances have raised both the frequency and severity of such incidents. Over a decade, the cumulative toll of 685 deaths underscores the scale of the challenge facing the state.

Technology Helps, Cooperation Decides

The forest department has introduced several measures to curb conflict, including artificial intelligence-based systems that monitor elephant movement around the clock. These tools are designed to provide early warnings to vulnerable villages, allowing residents to take precautions. However, officials stressed that technology can only support, not replace, community cooperation, adherence to safety advisories and long-term efforts to restore and protect wildlife habitats.