Muthuvans and Human-Animal Conflicts

April 12, 2023

The Muthuvans are a tribe of cultivators who dwell in the hilly regions of Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore and Madurai and Kerala’s Adimali and Devikulam forest regions of Idukki district. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their agricultural practices. However, in recent times, they have been facing severe problems with human-animal conflict, particularly with elephants. In response to this issue, the Kerala High Court appointed a committee of experts to investigate the matter.

History and Culture of the Muthuvan Tribe

The Muthuvans migrated to the Western Ghats around 300-400 years ago, during the reign of the Madurai dynasty. When the dynasty was deposed, the surviving royal members shifted to Travancore in central Kerala, and the Muthuvans carried the idols of Madurai Meenakshi, the deity of the royal family, on their backs.

The Muthuvans are cultivators known to traditionally grow ragi, cardamom, and lemon grass. Their name, Muthuvar, means elders.

Human-Animal Conflict

The Muthuvans have been facing severe problems with human-animal conflict, particularly with elephants. In response to this issue, the Kerala High Court appointed a committee of experts to investigate the matter. The committee’s report focused on the Chinnakkanal and Santhanpara panchayats in Udumbanchola taluk, precisely the Anayirankal area.

During the meeting, the members of the Muthuvan tribal community pointed out that they have been following a co-existence method with animals over the years. However, subsequent unscientific resettlements in the region triggered an increase in human-animal conflict.

The Committee of Experts’ report suggested long-term solutions such as measures for consolidation of the elephant habitat, eco-restoration, and maintaining connectivity with other significant elephant habitats.

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