Why are human-tiger conflicts growing in India? Ullas Karanth explains

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, wildlife biologist K. Ullas Karanth, one of the world’s foremost tiger conservation experts, examines the recent spike in human–tiger conflict around Bandipur National Park. Drawing on decades of field research in Nagarhole, Bandipur, and other Western Ghats reserves, Karanth explains why rising tiger densities, habitat manipulation, and irrational human responses are driving dangerous encounters. Karanth argues that while tiger numbers have grown in protected areas, this growth is not entirely natural. He sharply critiques India’s tiger census numbers, calling them poorly collected and scientifically unsound, and explains why once-in-four-years surveys fail to capture natural fluctuations in tiger populations. Drawing from 30 years of rigorous camera-trap monitoring, he details how real conservation science requires annual estimates, mortality data, and independent ecological auditing—not bureaucratic control and token surveys. From the politics of creating new tiger reserves to the failures of current forest bureaucracy, Karanth lays out why India needs independent ecological science, rational management, and an expansion of protected areas if long-term tiger conservation is to succeed. Context Four recent attacks near Bandipur—including three fatalities—have renewed debate on whether rising tiger numbers, habitat mismanagement, and chaotic local responses are making coexistence increasingly fragile. With villagers, forest staff, and conservationists facing escalating conflict, the need for grounded science has never been more urgent. Highlights: Why tiger densities have exceeded ecological limits Artificial habitat manipulation and inflated prey numbers The limits of “coexistence” at the scale of individual parks Why India’s official tiger estimates are scientifically flawed When conflict erupts: distinguishing fear-driven attacks from true man-eaters Why rescue, translocation, and cage-based solutions often fail The need for independent ecological auditing and evidence-based management Students of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation science Researchers studying predator–prey dynamics and protected area governance Journalists covering environmental policy and human–wildlife conflict Forest officers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners Citizens concerned about tiger conservation and rural livelihoods Perfect for: Credits: Host: Vikhar Ahmed Sayeed Camera: Rabi Debnath Editing: Sumiesh S. Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar Originally published on November 15, 2025 Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online...#ullaskaranth #tigerconservation #humanwildlifeconflict #bandipurtigerreserve #nagarholenationalpark #wildlifebiology #tigerattacks #mananimalconflict #westernghats #projecttiger #wildlifeconservation #ecologyindia #forestdept #predatorpreydynamics #karnatakawildlife #tigerreservesindia #conservationscience #bigcatsindia #environment Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia Twitter - / frontline_india Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295