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Kerala Sees Sharp Drop in Wildlife Fatalities
7 Feb
Summary
- 67 people died from wildlife conflict in 2024-25, down from 145 in 2016-17.
- Snakebites accounted for nearly 50% of recent deaths, often in non-forest areas.
- Kerala declared wildlife conflict a state disaster, establishing response centers.
Human-wildlife conflict in Kerala has seen a substantial reduction, with 67 lives lost in the 2024-25 financial year, a sharp decrease from 145 deaths reported in 2016-17. This decline is a significant development amid ongoing political concern over the issue.
Elephants were responsible for 19 deaths, while snakebites caused 34 fatalities. The Forest Department is considering separating snakebite statistics, as these often occur in non-forest areas, unlike typical human-wildlife conflict cases attributed to large carnivores or elephants.
Since 2011, a total of 1,549 human deaths have been linked to wildlife, with snakebites accounting for 1,158. Kerala, with extensive forest boundaries, has designated areas prone to conflict and human habitations within forest regions.
Human-wildlife conflict was declared a State disaster in 2024, leading to the establishment of 36 emergency response centers and 28 Rapid Response Teams to manage and reduce conflict intensity, aiming for up to a 50% reduction.
