Thu Nov 21 19:41:21 UTC 2024: ## Ranthambore Tiger Kills Villager, Sparking Protests and Questions about Tiger Population

**Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, November 22, 2024** – The death of a villager in a tiger attack at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has ignited protests and raised concerns about human-wildlife conflict and the reserve’s tiger population. Bharat Lal Meena, 50, was killed on November 2nd by a tiger identified as Chirico (T-86) near Uliyana village. Villagers reported seeing the tiger near Meena’s body, prompting a mob to attack the animal, which was later found dead, suffering from injuries consistent with the attack.

The incident follows a series of similar attacks in the region, with five human deaths and over 2,000 cattle killed by tigers since 2019. Recent reports of “missing” tigers at Ranthambore—14 missing for less than a year, 11 for over a year—have further fueled anxieties, though officials attribute this to various factors including camera limitations, migration, and natural causes. The National Tiger Conservation Authority has requested an investigation by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

Meena’s death sparked a major protest, with villagers blocking a highway and demanding ₹15 lakh in compensation. The protest ended after the State Agriculture Minister promised compensation. This incident reflects long-standing tensions between the reserve and local communities, echoing a similar incident in the 1980s involving a prominent wildlife conservationist. Villagers claim the reserve prioritizes tourism over their safety and livelihoods.

The death of Chirico, which officials insist wasn’t a man-eater, has raised questions regarding the management of human-wildlife conflict. Villagers report increased tiger activity and are selling livestock at a loss due to fear. They also criticize the Forest Department’s slow response time and failure to maintain boundary walls and compensate for crop damage. Experts suggest the reserve may be overcrowded, hindering natural tiger migration patterns and exacerbating the conflict. The incident highlights the urgent need for improved conflict mitigation strategies and a more balanced approach to conservation in Ranthambore.

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