Wed Jan 14 10:30:45 UTC 2026: # Karnataka Grapples with Escalating Human-Tiger Conflict Amid Conservation Success

The Story

Karnataka is facing a growing crisis of human-animal conflict, particularly involving tigers, due to the success of tiger conservation efforts. An article published on January 14, 2026, highlights the recent fatal attacks on a farmer, Mallappa, on December 10, 2025, and a forest watcher, Sanna Haida, on December 27, 2025, in the Bandipur tiger reserve (BRT) area. The incidents have prompted a reflection on the 1977 film “Huli Banthu Huli,” which depicted similar man-tiger conflicts. The article underscores that this conflict is responsible for nearly 60% of all human deaths related to wildlife encounters in southern Karnataka over the past four years. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre reports that 203 people have died in human-animal conflicts in Karnataka between 2022 and 2025.

Key Points

  • Fatal Attacks: Farmer Mallappa was attacked on December 10, 2025, and forest watcher Sanna Haida was killed on December 27, 2025, by tigers in the Bandipur tiger reserve (BRT) area.
  • Rising Conflict: Increased tiger populations in reserves like Nagarahole, Bandipur, Bhadra, and Kali are intensifying man-animal conflict.
  • High Mortality: Human-animal conflicts account for nearly 60% of human deaths from wildlife encounters in Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, and Hassan over the last four years.
  • Death Toll: 203 people have died in man-animal conflicts in Karnataka between 2022 and 2025.
  • Film Reflection: The article references the 1977 film “Huli Banthu Huli,” about man-eating tigers, illustrating the enduring nature of the conflict.
  • Historical Context: Director C Chandrashekar was inspired to create the movie due to the problems faced by tribal communities in the Khanapur forest range.
  • Filming Incident: During the filming of ‘Huli Banthu Huli’, the tigress, Jyothi, escaped causing the shooting schedule to extend from 20 to 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Karnataka’s conservation success is creating new challenges in managing human-wildlife interactions.
  • The high number of human deaths highlights the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies.
  • The enduring relevance of “Huli Banthu Huli” underscores the long-standing nature of this conflict.
  • There is a need to balance conservation efforts with the safety and well-being of communities living near forest areas.
  • The article highlights the risk to wildlife that these circumstances have.

Impact Analysis

The escalating human-tiger conflict in Karnataka has significant long-term implications. The rise in fatalities will likely increase public pressure on the government to take decisive action, potentially leading to stricter conservation measures or relocation efforts. However, such actions could further strain relations between conservation authorities and local communities, especially if they perceive the measures as infringing on their livelihoods. The need for sustainable coexistence strategies becomes ever more pressing to prevent further loss of life and ensure the long-term survival of both humans and tigers in the region. Failing to address the root causes will continue to put local tribes and the wild tiger population at risk.

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