Human-Wildlife Conflict in Kerala: Spatial Patterns and Community Perceptions in Selected Forest-Fringe Areas

Background: Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) affects communities living near forests in Kerala. While fatalities and material losses are documented, community experiences and awareness of financial support mechanisms also warrant assessment. Objective: This study examined the spatial distribution of reported HWC fatalities and the experiences of residents in selected forest-fringe settlements. Methods: Forty-two reported human fatalities from 2021–2025 were identified from newspaper archives and supporting documents and mapped using Google Earth Pro and ArcGIS 10.5. A point-density analysis explored spatial concentration. Structured interviews with 50 residents in Mulli, Sholayur and settlements near Chimmini Dam assessed fear, sleep distress, perceived educational effects, awareness of compensation and insurance, and institutional responses. Descriptive percentages and mean Likert scores were calculated. Results: Wayanad accounted for 17 of the identified fatalities (40.48%), while Asian elephants were associated with 27 (64.29%). Avoidance of outdoor movement at night (mean score 4.22) and concern for family safety (3.84) were prominent fear-related responses. Disturbed sleep had a mean score of 3.24. Educational effects were comparatively limited among the 10 respondents with school-going children. Compensation awareness ranged from 30.8% among those without formal education to 83.3% among degree holders. Limited awareness accounted for 42.1% of 76 reported barriers to insurance access. Forest Department incident response scored 4.38, compared with 2.24 for government conflict-control measures. Conclusion: The findings highlight both concentrated reported fatalities and everyday concerns within the selected communities. Regular maintenance of preventive infrastructure and clearer communication about financial support provisions warrant consideration.