A series of tragic human-tiger conflicts along the borders of Karnataka's premier tiger reserves has resulted in three fatalities and left one person severely injured. The incidents have sparked urgent calls for a strategic and scientific intervention to manage the escalating situation.
Surge in Tiger Numbers and Shrinking Habitats
The root of the conflict lies in a significant conservation success story facing a spatial crisis. Since the Bandipur Tiger Reserve was established in 1972 with just 12 tigers, its population has soared to host more than 170 big cats today. A similar trend is observed in the adjoining Nagarahole reserve. Karnataka now holds the second-highest tiger population in India.
However, this remarkable growth coincides with the continuing encroachment of forest land, which has drastically shrunk natural habitats. This forces weaker, older, and injured tigers, as well as tigresses seeking secluded birthing sites, to venture closer to human settlements, dramatically increasing the risk of dangerous encounters.
Government Action and Expert Intervention Sought
In response to the recent attacks, Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre has directed the formation of a committee of experts. This panel will study whether the existing forest area can sustain the growing wildlife population and recommend permanent solutions. Following a high-level meeting, the minister also instructed officials to install cameras at reserve borders, maintain 24x7 surveillance of tiger movements, and ensure timely information sharing with local residents.
A retired forest officer welcomed this move but emphasized the need for a robust scientific approach. He revealed the severity of the issue, stating that in the past six weeks alone, about 21 tigers, including cubs, were rescued from the fringes of the reserves. The officer urged the government to involve experts from elite institutes and international conservation centers to devise lasting strategies.
Addressing the Encroachment Challenge
Conservator of Forests (Mysuru Circle) S S Ravishankar acknowledged the complex issue of forest land encroachment, which is a key driver of habitat loss. He stated that measures are underway to reclaim these areas. The encroachments, he explained, occur in various forms: sometimes by neighbouring landowners or farmers, in other instances where land was officially granted to beneficiaries, and also through fraudulent sales of forest land to gullible buyers.
The recent fatalities serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between conservation and human safety. As the officer poignantly noted, while the purpose of observing International Tiger Day is to protect these majestic animals and their habitats, simply relocating tigers from conflict zones undermines the very goal of conservation. The state now faces the critical challenge of ensuring both the safety of its citizens and the long-term survival of its iconic big cats.
