Abstract

Human–tiger conflict in Chandrapur forest circle, Maharashtra state of central India, has intensified in recent years, particularly during mahua (Madhuca longifolia) flower collection—a seasonal livelihood activity for forest-dependent communities. This study examines tiger-related human fatalities associated with mahua collection between 2013 and 2023, using official records obtained through Right to Information requests from the Chandrapur Forest Department. A total of 15 human fatalities were documented, with women accounting for 53.3% of victims (n = 8) and most victims belonging to middle-aged (40-54 years) and elderly (≥55 years) age groups (mean age 54.1 ± 8.8 years). The majority of incidents (n = 10, 66.6%) occurred during early morning hours (06:00–09:00 hrs), coinciding with peak mahua collection activity and periods of high tiger movement. The majority of incidents (n = 13, 87%) occurred in April, coinciding with the peak flowering period of mahua. Spatially, the Bramhapuri Forest Division emerged as the primary hotspot with nine fatalities (60%), reflecting substantial overlap between human forest use and tiger habitats. These patterns are indicative and reflect activity-specific risk rather than population-level inference. The findings suggest that increasing tiger populations, combined with strong livelihood dependence on forest resources and habitat fragmentation, have elevated the risk of human–tiger conflict. By integrating ecological and socio-economic perspectives, this study provides evidence-based guidance for improving human safety while supporting tiger conservation in conflict-prone landscapes.

Keywords: Chandrapur, Human-wildlife coexistence, Human–tiger conflict, Mahua flower collection, Tiger conservation