NEWS – Karnataka Forest department data reveals 618 deaths in such conflicts in Karnataka from 2010-11 to 2023-24

HIGHLIGHTS

• Deaths include: 416 by elephants, 38 by leopards, 36 by bears/sloth bears, 34 by tigers, and 32 by wild boars.
• Budget allocation for wildlife in 2024-25 is around Rs 151 crore, with Rs 60 crore for railway barricades to prevent human-elephant conflict.
• Animals leaving forests due to habitat disturbances; weeds growing inside forests noted.
• Population of animals, especially elephants, has increased, emphasizing the need for habitat improvement.
• Surveys identify areas needing railway barricades; initial 640 km increased to 750 km needed.
• Progress: 311 km covered since 2015, with a target of completing 120 km this year.
• Villagers prefer rail barricades over elephant-proof trenches due to effectiveness in preventing casualties and crop damage.
• Karnataka has about 6,400 elephants, with around 350 venturing outside forests, primarily young tuskers aged 18-30.