Kodagu stands at the crossroads where humans and wildlife are locked in an escalating struggle for space and survival. Every encounter leaves behind fear, loss and uncertainty. Farmers fear for their crops, workers fear for their safety and wildlife continues to wander through fragmented habitats in search of food and passage.
Almost everyday, Kodagu wakes up to another story of an Elephant attack, a life lost, a family shattered, a farm rendered unsafe or a village gripped by fear.
This is not a battle that can be won by either side. Wildlife cannot be wished away, and people cannot be expected to live in constant threat. The real challenge is co-existence. And Kodagu is crying out for solutions.
In this context, there have been many uncoordinated representations to different authorities. The most recent was the visit to Aranya Bhavan to meet Dr Meenakshi Negi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to discuss the situation in Kodagu by the Office Bearers of Kodava Samaja Bangalore. Similar representations have been made to the MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and the MLA of the most affected areas A. S. Ponnanna of Virajpet constituency. Well meaning reassurances have been given along with the District Administration, but solutions need to be evaluated scientifically with proven measures and dedicated execution.
The National Debate:
Human Animal conflict essentially is a struggle over space and resources in this country of a magnitude that does not exist anywhere else in the world. With a population in excess of 1.4 billion and animal density that rivals most places across the planet, a somewhat quixotic coexistence image comes to mind because humanity’s capacity for destruction makes all animals seem like underdogs. Yet, these large creatures are considered sacred and there exists an inexplicable bond between them.
Eminent ecologist Madhav Gadgil has made radical suggestions even asking for the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to be scrapped. Perhaps the best note that I have read on this matter is a detailed report on Reforming How India Governs the Human-Wildlife Interface (Reforming How India Governs the Human-Wildlife Interface | The India Forum).
A pro-active and community-based approach would be the most effective way to prevent and mitigate non-lethal human-wildlife conflict. No doubt this takes time, but it is possible – but scaling up takes time. In the interim, systems for providing just and transparent compensation for losses due to conflict needs to be set up transparently and dispensed with a sense of urgency.
The Problem in Kodagu
For too long, human wildlife conflict has been met with temporary responses and post tragedy discussions. What is needed now is a long-term scientific and people-centric approach that protects both human lives and wildlife habitats.
Keep the debate simple – Kodagu deserves safer villages, protected wildlife corridors, effective early-warning systems and policies that address the root causes of conflict rather than merely reacting to its consequences. The inevitability of co-existence is not an option, it is a given reality. But co-existence requires commitment, planning and action.
From time immemorial, Kodagu shared a symbiotic bond with wildlife, dense forests, sacred groves and a lifestyle rooted in nature that ensured respectful coexistence between Humans and Animals. Hunting was largely ceremonial, not commercial. Elephants were revered, not feared. But urban expansion, plantation growth and vanishing “corridors” have disturbed this balance. The inexplicable burgeoning of new large-scale resorts and sale of the once famous BBTC Coffee plantations has resulted in exacerbating the issues. Well established Elephant corridors get blocked – as is the case with the fragmented sale of large coffee plantations to buyers who are not necessarily in tune with the local environmental challenges.
The Game sanctuaries, reserve forests and traditional corridors need to be effectively “managed”. Monoculture and overgrown lantana, leaves precious little for the animals. Water bodies need to be rejuvenated and there are many successful endeavours that just need to be replicated. There is an unspoken but well entrenched mistrust between the Forest Department and Local inhabitants that needs to be remedied through confidence building measures that restores responsible interaction. Organisations like Coorg Wildlife Society should possibly take the lead and train local residents to deal with sensitive remedial steps.
I have included a video that shows the success achieved at a problematic railway crossing by the Tamil Nādu forest department in 2024 called the “E-Eye” AI project. No elephant related incidents have been reported since its implementation.
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Finally, an unique feature of Kodagu was our abundant and sacred Devarkadus that have sadly been encroached in unimaginable proportion thereby causing wildlife to lose its safe zones. Elephants deprived of shelter and food, venture deeper into human settlements with obvious repercussions. Restoring and protecting Devarkadus is not only about saving forests. It is about reviving a tradition where nature, community and culture co-existed.
Policy, science and local belief must work together. Fencing off our sacred groves, replanting native species and involving local communities in preservation should be encouraged by all stakeholders in a coordinated manner and platforms created through mutual consultations. Piecemeal efforts will have minimal impact – it has to take on the symbolic fervour with which the Kodavaame Balo Nadp was conducted and our Family Hockey Nammes executed. Every sacred grove saved is not just a forest patch, it is a prayer for peace, for critical balance of our environment and for Kodagu’s future. Blaming each other doesn’t help.
I published a video on Elephant – Human conflict.
Please do watch & share your opinion.
“𝘼𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣… 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙… ”
Today I’m sharing one of the most moving stories —elephants journeying from 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙨 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙠 juxtaposed against, elephants crossing the streets of 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙖 in 𝙆𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙖, a bustling city now encroaching into the forest.
It’s beautiful, emotional, and a reminder of how urgently we need to protect their paths.
Watch the full video here ☝️
Please Like & Share the video.
𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 your 𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 in the 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 section about this important question on Elephant migration ….
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙥𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙂𝙤?
CLN Newsdesk – Nuggets on Human Elephant Conflict in Kerala – excerpts from interview by Kerala Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G. Krishnan, IFS with Express Dialogues:
What about the increasing elephant attacks?
Elephants spend about 15–16 hours feeding. They are a wide-ranging species that typically walk 25–30 km a day. With habitat degradation, fragmentation, and the spread of invasive species, such movement has become challenging. In addition, elephant habitats have shrunk.
Conflict levels are relatively low where habitat degradation is minimal. It’s important to differentiate between conflict and accidents. A recent trend is elephants being attracted to fruit-bearing trees during the monsoon. Crop raiding is actually dangerous for elephants, and they engage in it only when they have no other choice.
Has the elephant population increased?
Project Elephant began in India in the 1990s, when the estimated elephant population was around 10,000. Today, it has roughly doubled. State-level numbers can distort the picture, because elephants regularly move between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka depending on rainfall patterns. Kerala currently has the lowest number—around 2,000, compared to 4,000 earlier. But this does not necessarily mean the population has declined; movement patterns influence these counts.
Many resorts have come up along forest fringes. How has this affected conflict?
Tourism is a major contributor to the state’s economy. Ecotourism alone brings nearly ₹100 crore to local communities. However, some negative practices have emerged: DJ parties near forest boundaries, tourists walking on elephant paths, waste being dumped in forests, and night-time travel through forest areas. These unethical activities—though isolated—must be addressed.
Has the male elephant population increased because poaching has decreased?
Selective removal of elephants has historically taken place in our forests, and this reflects the population structure. In a healthy elephant population, the male-to-female ratio is around 1:10. At one point, the ratio had dropped to 1:20 or even 1:30. The population has now stabilised, possibly due to improved conservation measures.
Tribal communities have always had a deep, organic connection with forests. But recently, more tribal people are dying in wild animal attacks…
Of the 17 people who died inside forests last year, 12 were from tribal communities. This is a serious concern. When we raised this issue with tribal groups, many pointed to an inter-generational gap. In several cases, carelessness or night-time travel contributed to these incidents. Changes in elephant behaviour also play a role. With constant exposure to humans, elephants are no longer as wary of people as they once were.
Does this mean tribal communities are losing their traditional connection with forests?
That is one interpretation. Ultimately, it is up to the communities themselves to decide how to preserve their connection. Older generations continue to pass on traditional knowledge and forest wisdom. But, like every other sector, modern influences have reached tribal societies too. Preserving traditional knowledge is therefore essential.
There was a plan to relocate families living inside the Wayanad Sanctuary. Why has it not progressed further?
Since 2008, relocation has been voluntary. Families living deep inside forests are offered good facilities and an attractive rehabilitation package if they choose to move out. So far, around 200 families have opted for relocation. Within the tribal community, some prefer to move, while others choose to stay. The decision varies across generations.
Reproduced from BBC Wildlife Magazine.
How to stay safe around wild elephants:
If you are self-driving:
Always remember wild elephants can be dangerous, especially if they feel threatened.
– Always keep your distance
Never invade an elephant’s space. Turn off your engine, speak quietly, be respectful but vigilant.
– Read body language
Watch for an elephant lifting one leg from the ground, swinging it and kicking up dust; holding its ears out for a prolonged period to show its size; or shaking its head repeatedly. If you see any of these signs, back away slowly.
– Leave two escape routes
Make sure there are at least two clear ‘escape’ routes, so neither of you feels trapped.
– Don’t split up family groups
Your viewing position should not separate elephant family members.
– Wildlife has right of way.
Be patient. No horns.
– Don’t shift viewing points
Choose one spot and stay there for the duration of the sighting.
– Always look around
Watch out for any surprises; you may not have seen the ‘whole picture’ on arrival.
If you are with a guide:
– Listen to your guide closely
They are trained how to react and will guide you safely through any event.
– Be responsible for guides
You can influence your guide’s behaviour to ensure a safe safari.
Very good responses to Ms Mamatha Subbaiah’s article, especially the comprehensive message by Chendanda Aiyappa who is associated and does excellent work at Coorg Wildlife Society. Interestingly there is another famous CWS (Centre for Wildlife Studies) headed by Dr Krithi Karanth.
Dr. Karanth and CWS were one of three recipients worldwide awarded with the John P. McNulty Prize. Further in 2026, Dr. Karanth became the first Asian recipient of the Esmond B. Martin Royal Geographical Society Prize and the first South Asian recipient of the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. These are phenomenal accolades that extend over 50 such awards. Apparently one of their main areas of focus launched in 2015, Wild Seve is an award winning novel conservation intervention that provides timely assistance to people from over 4215 village settlements affected by human-wildlife conflict in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Wild Seve program was designed to build tolerance towards wildlife by expediting action during HWC incidents and rebuilding livelihoods especially around the national parks of Bandipur and Nagarahole in Karnataka.
Approaching the Karanth les CWS team is possibly the most obvious thing to do to learn from their award winning methods to overcome the HWC problem in Kodagu. The Kodagu CWS could perhaps take the lead – alongwith the District Administration and other Government Agencies (including the Forest Department).
The root of the problem first lies on non maintenance of forests in wildlife sanctuaries to believe this fact you have to take a tour into the forest in their wildlife safari vehicles,if there is no fodder in these wildlife sanctuaries,then how can the animals survive there, unwanted intrusive species like parthenium, lantana, poison ivy etc grow in huge numbers.
For example If you drive past Mudhumalai you will find mainly teak trees and a barren forest. Then how do you expect wildlife to stay there,they will naturally look for food outside the forests.I have come across a lot of articles either in news paper or in the internet, animals conflicts arises mainly due to people encroachment of lands in the forest which is not true and it’s become a propoganda for the forest department.
Keeping in mind the economy of Kodagu largely depending on perennial crops. The time and effort that goes into nurturing every plant is immense. Elephants make them disappear in minutes or overnight. Finding a way to peacefully co-exist with crop raiding and marauding elephant will be the biggest challenge.
Considering elephants as migratory animals confining them in small patches of forests by digging elephant proof trenches and putting up railway barricades will never solve any of the problem.
The change in their diet pattern to start off with, elephants have adopted to eating fruits and crops out of their natural food habits. Fruit trees like mangoes, guava, chikko, papaya(just the trees) young coconut plants, etc draw them closer to human dwelling areas. The surprise factor plays the biggest role in conflicts. Poor visibility in established robusta estates unlike farms with field crops or for that matter tea estates where elephant are visible and people can maintain safe distance.
Now talking about the quality of the forests, the biggest factor contributing to conflict is degraded forests. Teak monoculture, invasive plants like lantana, senna and eupatorium have not only choked the forest floor but also contributes to widespread forest fires. Dams, railway lines, power lines and highways block traditional migratory routes denying access to grazing grounds and fresh water. Like the Sugarcane Tigers in North India we have Coffee Estate Elephants in Kodagu. These elephants call coffee estates their home and driving them back to the forest is alien land to them.
Conflict mitigation cannot happen on paper. It needs a scientific approach, awareness programs and human will to understand elephants.
Excellent article. We must follow the Tamilnadu model for “effective monitoring of sensitive corridors”. Also, we need to restore the status of sacred Devarakadus to its original status.
A picture says a thousand words. Humans have no conscience.
Anyone who has lived in Kodagu knows that the forest doesn’t end where human habitation begins. Coexistence requires empathy, science, and policies that support both local communities and wildlife.
A thoughtful and balanced article. As someone with no direct stake in Kodagu, I say this with humility: human–wildlife conflict anywhere is rarely about “good vs bad,” but about space, balance, and broken ecological systems. I appreciated the focus on long-term, science-based solutions rather than emotional reactions after each tragedy. The E-Eye example was particularly interesting. Co-existence may be difficult, but thoughtful planning and sustained execution offer the best path forward.
I agree. Only a multi faceted community inclusive solution can work for such a complex situation. There is no immediate solution, only temporary ones. Thorough study and consultation with the stakeholders can unearth the root cause. The root causes needs to be addressed one by one. It will be slow, but the result will be long lasting.
Our current impulsive responses are only making matters worse.