Farmers in Kodagu are reeling under relentless wildlife incursions. A tiger lurking near the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve has caused alarm by attacking and killing livestock. In Hosur and Huduguru, within Kalidevana Hosur gram panchayat, elephants from Anekadu Reserve Forest have ventured into farmlands, damaging paddy fields after crossing the Harangi River via the Bendebetta Forest. A separate herd from the Yadavanadu Reserve Forest also trampled crops, affecting over 20 farmers.
In Nariandada, frequent elephant raids on paddy fields have left farmers questioning the viability of cultivation. “Continuous damage by elephants makes us rethink farming,” said Pokkulandra Danoj Kumar, a distressed farmer. Forest officer Chandresh and his team inspected the devastation, noting that a 7-km rail barricade is under construction to deter elephants from invading villages in the Thithimathi Forest Range.
Elsewhere, a group of elephants from the Channangi Abbur Forest has settled in coffee plantations at Badaga Banangala, with over 50 pachyderms seen roaming in clusters. Farmers report significant losses as their plantations suffer.
Adding to the woes, monkeys are wreaking havoc in Nalvatthekare Baradi and Baradi, under the Nellighudikeri gram panchayat. Villagers lament the destruction of coffee plants and fruit trees, calling the situation unbearable. Many blame the authorities for inadequate wildlife management.
The escalating wildlife conflict highlights the urgent need for effective measures to protect both farmers and crops.
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