The Rising Threat: Adivasis in Wayanad Face Increasing Attacks from Wild Animals

Kalpetta: Long before the establishment of the Forest Department or the position of a Forest Minister in Kerala, Adivasis have lived in harmony with the forest, relying on its resources and protecting its ecosystem. They are the true children of the forest, navigating its dense landscapes with an innate understanding of its dangers and rhythms. However, in the last 35 days, four Adivasis have lost their lives to wild animal attacks in Wayanad. These are not outsiders or encroachers but indigenous people who have coexisted with the forest for generations. Despite their deep knowledge of nature, they are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Yet, statements from the Forest Minister, suggesting that these deaths resulted from trespassing, have drawn sharp criticism for their disconnect from reality and their insensitivity toward the Adivasi community.

Why Are Adivasis Becoming Victims?

Three decades ago, tigers were confined to the deeper forests of Wayanad, and elephants would instinctively retreat at the sight of humans. Today, however, these animals have started venturing into human settlements. In areas like Bathery Kumazhi, a predominantly tribal region, elephants have become frequent visitors. Previously, they could be scared away by loud noises and firecrackers. Now, they remain unfazed, standing their ground even when a firecracker explodes beneath them. According to the local Adivasi community, elephants no longer fear humans because they have learned that people will not harm them. This shift has turned once-safe settlements into dangerous zones where wildlife roams freely.

A Changing Ecosystem

Residents near the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary report a significant behavioral shift in wild animals. While no extensive scientific studies have been conducted, firsthand experiences confirm this transformation. Previously, deer would flee at the slightest human presence. Today, they graze undisturbed along busy roads. Monkeys, once wary, now brazenly enter homes in Kalpetta’s Emily area.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem. With human activity halted, estates adjacent to forests became refuge zones for wildlife. Even after workers returned post-pandemic, the animals did not retreat, resulting in increased human-wildlife conflicts. In Wayanad, two people lost their lives in estate attacks. According to locals, the fundamental issue is that animals no longer perceive humans as a threat, leading to their uninhibited movement into populated areas.

Climate Stress and Food Scarcity

Environmentalists caution against oversimplifying the issue. While some believe animals have lost their instinctive fear of humans, others argue that their aggressive behavior stems from climate-related stress. As summer intensifies, food and water sources diminish, leading to heightened irritability among elephants and other wild species. In desperate search of sustenance, these animals not only attack humans but also other wildlife, including deer and bison.

Is Compensation Enough?

The victims of these attacks are often Adivasis and economically disadvantaged individuals. With stringent forest laws restricting human intervention, they have become the unintended casualties of conservation policies. A recent case highlights the severity of the issue—a young boy was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Attamala, Meppadi, on February 11. His body lay on the road until the next afternoon, only to be removed after authorities announced a ₹10 lakh compensation package and a dependent appointment for his family.

While such measures offer immediate relief, they do not address the root cause of the crisis. Compensation and government jobs cannot replace lost lives. This continued loss of human life raises urgent questions about the efficacy of wildlife management policies and the allocation of resources within the Forest Department. Unless concrete steps are taken to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, the cycle of tragedy will persist, leaving Adivasis and forest communities to bear the brunt of an evolving ecological imbalance.