At least 1,360 people have died due to elephant and tiger attacks in India in the past three years. While the number of human deaths due to tiger attacks is showing a decreasing trend, there is no decline in casualties due to elephant attacks in the country, reports the Times of India. 

As per the statistics extended  by the environment ministry in Rajya Sabha on Monday, 31 people have died due to tiger attacks in 2015-16, as compared to 34 deaths in 2014-15 and 36 in 2013-14. On the other hand, the total human death due to elephant attack was 407 in 2013-14, 390 in 2014-15 and 462 in 2015-16.

b’Environment Minster Anil Madhav Dave/ Source: PTI’

Environment minister Anil Madhav Dave, in a written response to a parliament question, said “As per the latest information received from the states, the number of people died due to tiger attack is showing a decreasing trend. So far as human death due to elephant attacks is concerned, information received from states as well as that provided by the concerned division, does not show a consistent trend.” 

The minister said the state government has not provided additional funds for providing safe zones for elephants. However, the states with tiger reserves are funded under Project Tiger in the Annual Plan of Operation for various activities. 

Figures show that West Bengal had reported the highest number of deaths caused by tigers and elephants in the past three years. 41 people died due to tiger attacks and 266 people died due to elephant attacks in the state during 2013-16, reports TOI. 

(With input from PTI)

(Feature image source: PTI)