Interim Compensation

The Malai Mahadeshwara (MM Hills) and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuaries landscape supports populations of large carnivores such as tigers and leopards, while also sustaining forest-fringe communities that depend on livestock for their livelihoods. In this shared landscape, livestock depredation remains a significant challenge.

In 2025, MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary witnessed multiple instances of retaliatory poisoning following livestock depredation, including the death of a tigress and her four cubs. A separate incident later that year involved another adult tiger suspected to have been poisoned. These events highlight the growing risk of retaliation arising from unresolved human–wildlife conflict.

While the government provides ex-gratia compensation for such losses, the process is often delayed and can take several months. During this period, affected families incur additional costs and loss of income, leading to financial stress and uncertainty.

These delays and gaps can result in frustration among communities and, in some cases, lead to retaliatory actions against wildlife. In recent years, instances of poisoning of large carnivores in the MM Hills landscape have highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue.

Our Intervention:

To address the gap between livestock loss and delayed compensation, we initiated an interim compensation mechanism to provide immediate financial relief to affected households.

This mechanism was introduced to communities during village meetings conducted as part of our ongoing initiatives. Additional meetings were held in high-conflict villages in the presence of Forest Department officials to address concerns and improve awareness.

Following this, reports of livestock depredation were received from villagers and the Forest Department. Each case was verified through field inspections based on evidence such as pugmarks, feeding patterns, and other diagnostic signs. Interim compensation was then provided to eligible beneficiaries. All affected livestock owners were also supported in applying for official compensation.

Outcomes and Impact:

So far, 49 cases have been supported under this mechanism, with financial assistance provided to affected families. In total, 74 incidents were attended to and verified.

By providing timely support, this initiative helps reduce immediate financial stress, mitigates negative responses to wildlife, and contributes to promoting coexistence between communities and large carnivores in the landscape.