DEFENSIBLE HUMAN LIFE IN THE CONNECTING VILLAGES OF NAGARAHOLE FOREST: A CASE STUDY OF METIKUPPE

Vishwanatha H R; Arun Das; Koichi Kimoto

doi:10.59415/mjacs.319

Authors

Vishwanatha H R University of mysore
Arun Das DOS in Geography, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
Koichi Kimoto Setsunan University, Osaka, Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59415/mjacs.319

Keywords:

Human-wildlife conflict; defensible human life; forest fringe settlements; elephant depredation; Nagarahole; socio-ecological vulnerability; livelihood insecurity; participatory governance; community resilience; Karnataka

Abstract

Human settlements situated along protected forest boundaries experience complex socio‑ecological interactions. This expanded study examines defensible human life in the Metikuppe village cluster located near the Nagarahole landscape in Karnataka, India. Using qualitative field observation, secondary datasets, and spatial interpretation, the research analyses patterns of human–wildlife interaction, infrastructural vulnerability, and livelihood insecurity. The findings highlight recurring elephant‑driven crop depredation, transportation isolation, and uneven governance response. The paper argues that defensible human life in forest‑fringe regions requires integrated conflict-mitigation systems, participatory governance, and landscape‑scale planning that balance conservation and human safety

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Author Biographies

Vishwanatha H R, University of mysore

Government College for Women, Hunsur, Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Arun Das, DOS in Geography, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India

DOS in Geography, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Koichi Kimoto, Setsunan University, Osaka, Japan

Setsunan University, Osaka, Japan.

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