Wildlife and Human Conflict: Odisha's Struggle with Wild Animal Attacks

In Odisha, 799 people have died from wild animal attacks over the past five years, while 2,832 wild animals, including elephants and tigers, perished, 806 due to poaching. Despite 4,043 arrests related to wildlife crimes, incidents of wildlife-related human fatalities and animal deaths continue across forest divisions.

In the past five years, Odisha has witnessed the tragic deaths of 799 people due to wild animal attacks, a stark reflection of the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region.

According to Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, the state also reported 2,832 wild animal deaths during the same period, with poaching accounting for 806 of these cases. The minister shared this data during a legislative session, highlighting the alarming number of incidents and arrests related to wildlife crimes.

Dhenkanal forest division topped the list with 147 human fatalities, reflecting the severity of conflicts in specific areas. Amid these challenges, the forest department has been providing compensation to the families of victims.

(With inputs from agencies.)