Thursday, September 28, 2017

Elephants and tigers kill 3 humans every month in Karnataka

As many as 146 people have been killed by wild elephants and tigers in the past four years in Karnataka, which translates into three deaths per month. The figure raises concerns over the increasing incidence of man-animal conflict.

According to data from the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, the number is less in comparison to states like West Bengal and Assam — which witnessed 367 and 241 human deaths respectively in the same period — but experts say the fact that deaths are increasing every year in Karnataka is a cause for worry. Karnataka boasts of the highest number of tigers and elephants in the country.

Data accessed by TOI from the Union ministry and the state forest department shows elephants are more in conflict with human than tigers — 135 of the 146 deaths were caused by jumbos and only 11 by tigers.

"Every year, at least 36 people are being killed by elephants and tigers in Karnataka. Though the number marginally dipped in 2015-16, the last financial year saw it go up to 38," said a senior official from the state forest department.

To read the full article, click on the story title

No comments: