.png)
Madikeri: An alarming number of human deaths due to elephant attacks in Kodagu district has been revealed by the Karnataka Forest Department in an Right To Information(RTI) reply. From 2019-20 to 2023-24, a total of 44 fatalities have been reported across various divisions within the district, highlighting the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region.
The data details the number of deaths across different areas within Kodagu district. Madikeri Taluk has witnessed the highest number of fatalities with 18 deaths over the five-year period. The Nagarahole Tiger Reserve followed closely with 12 deaths, Virajpet reported 10, and the Madikeri Wildlife Division recorded 4 deaths.
Human Deaths from Elephant Attacks in Kodagu District (2019-20 to 2023-24)
District | Division | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | TOTAL |
Kodagu | Madikeri Taluk | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 18 |
Madikeri wildlife division | 2 | - | 2 | - | - | 4 | |
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve | - | 1 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 12 | |
Virajpet | 1 | 3 | 2 | - | 4 | 10 | |
TOTAL | 5 | 8 | 12 | 6 | 13 | 44 |
Source: Karnataka Forest DepartmentÂ
In the year 2023-24 alone, 13 deaths were reported, indicating a significant increase from previous years. This upward trend underscores the growing danger faced by residents living in close proximity to elephant habitats.
The forest department attributes this increase to multiple factors, including habitat loss, encroachment into forest areas, and inadequate mitigation measures. Efforts to address this issue have been ongoing, but the rising number of deaths calls for more robust and immediate actions to protect both human lives and elephant populations.
Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group:Â CLICK HEREÂ
Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter) to get latest news updates and special stories from Kodagu.
Share your feedback on our website via email at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com
To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly give us a call at 9108795369
Forest department has planted Teakwood in the forest instead of planting fodder for the animals what else will happen animals will enter the human habitite