Human-wildlife conflicts (sudden increase in tiger attacks on humans) in adjacent areas of Corbett National Park Ramnagar Uttarakhand, India (from November 2023 to January 2024)

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts become a common problem in Ramnagar tehsil of district Nainital in Uttarakhand state in India. The incidence of tiger attacks has suddenly increased in the villages adjoining Corbett Park, Ramnagar Forest Division and Tarai-West Forest Division during three months of winter (from November 2023 to January 2024). Tiger hunger, unavailability of adequate food (Cheetal/Sambar, etc.), man-eaters tigers, increasing population density of tigers, old age tigers with worn and broken claws, disturbance of their alertness and breeding (by noise of safari, bike and public vehicle), large herds of Cheetal in villages near the forest, foreign tiger in this area, need for tiger territory in buffer area (shrinking territory) etc. are main reasons for tiger attacks in these incidences. Both humans and tigers are affected by these conflicts. After these incidents, the Forest department cut small trees and bushes on both sides of the road from the buffer area (about 20-30 feet) and the road has become clear. With this, the tiger will not be able to hide in the bushes on the roadside and sit in ambush, and tiger attacks will be reduced.