While 13 human deaths were reported due to animal attacks either by elephant or gaur in 2011, 9 deaths were reported in 2012 in the Nilgiris. So far this year, only five deaths have been reported in the hill district. There are three divisions of forests in the Nilgiris besides Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) and Mukurthi National Park.

Animals in Gudalur, the junction where Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala meet, are finding it increasingly difficult because of the increasing population. Even though there is a decline in human-animal conflict in the area, crop damage still persists, mostly due to human incursions into forest areas. S N Thejasvi, district forest officer (Gudalur division), says that increasing awareness has reduced the number of deaths. "However crop damage still persists because people continue to cultivate banana and other crops that seem to attract wild animals," he said. Elephants can smell banana from a distance of two kilometers.

"The border areas of MTR and the Gudalur division of forests are passageways solely meant for elephants. Some private land falls in this area where people cultivate crops that attract animals. Besides, unplanned developments by private players contribute to the man-animal conflict," said Thejasvi.

According to him, swampy areas in Gudalur forest division should be preserved. Apparently, the population of elephants and gaurs has increased in the area. In 2011, six deaths were reported in the area due to man-animal conflict while seven were reported the following year. So far this year only two deaths have been reported. "We have been conducting programmes to create awareness among locals about how to coexist with elephants and other wild animals," said Thejasvi.

In the Nilgiris South Division of forests, only one person was killed by an Indian Gaur in September 2013, in the last three years. In 2011, seven people were killed either by elephants or gaurs in the Nilgiris North Division of Forests. Two people were killed in 2012 and so far this year the death toll due to man animal conflict stands at two.

"There has been a dramatic decrease in man-animal conflict deaths in the area over the years, thanks to the several awareness programmes conducted. The establishment of anti-poaching camps at regular intervals has also helped," said C Badrasamy, DFO (South Division). Even though the population of elephants and gaurs has increased, conflict has decreased. "The government has also been providing adequate funds to cater to the needs of the tribal groups who are readily available to participate in the anti-poaching camps whenever the need arises," he added.