Explained: How and Why do tigers become maneaters

Tigers, majestic and powerful, are apex predators that typically avoid human contact. However, there have been instances where tigers have turned into man-eaters, causing fear and devastation in local communities. One of the most infamous cases is that of the Champawat Tiger, a Bengal tigress responsible for an estimated 436 deaths in Nepal and India during the early 20th century.This tigress was eventually killed by the renowned hunter Jim Corbett in 1907. The transformation of a tiger into a man-eater can be attributed to several factors, often involving a combination of physical impairments, environmental changes, and human encroachment.

Physical impairments are a significant reason why tigers may turn to humans as prey. Injuries from gunshots, traps, or encounters with other animals can hinder a tiger’s ability to hunt its natural prey. The Champawat Tiger, for instance, had broken canine teeth, likely caused by a gunshot wound, which made it difficult for her to hunt wild animals. As a result, she turned to humans, who are easier to catch and kill compared to agile and strong prey like deer or wild boar.
Environmental changes also play a crucial role in this deadly transformation. The destruction of natural habitats due to deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization forces tigers into closer proximity with human settlements. As their natural prey becomes scarce, tigers may venture into villages in search of food. The Sundarbans, a mangrove forest spanning India and Bangladesh, has seen numerous tiger attacks on humans. Between 1969 and 1971, tigers in this region killed 129 people. The loss of habitat and prey, coupled with the increasing human population, has led to more frequent encounters between tigers and humans.

Human activities further exacerbate the situation. Poaching and illegal hunting reduce the availability of natural prey for tigers, pushing them towards human settlements. Additionally, the consumption of human corpses during natural disasters or conflicts can habituate tigers to human flesh. In the Sundarbans, for example, the aftermath of Cyclone Sidr in 2007 saw an increase in tiger attacks as the tigers, already stressed by habitat loss, began to associate humans with food.
Historical accounts provide more insights into this phenomenon. The Man-Eater of Segur, a young male Bengal tiger, killed five people in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, in the early 20th century. This tiger, like many others, had been injured and was unable to hunt its usual prey. Similarly, the Tsavo Man-Eaters, a pair of lions in Kenya, killed over 35 railway workers in 1898. These lions were found to have severe dental issues, which likely led them to target humans.
The psychological impact on local communities is profound. Villagers live in constant fear, altering their daily routines to avoid tiger encounters. Efforts to mitigate these conflicts include the establishment of buffer zones, relocation of human settlements, and increased patrolling by forest officials. Conservationists also emphasize the importance of preserving natural habitats and prey populations to reduce the likelihood of tigers becoming man-eaters.
Understanding the reasons behind this transformation is essential for both conservation efforts and the safety of human populations living near tiger habitats. By addressing the root causes, such as habitat destruction and human encroachment, it is possible to reduce the instances of tigers turning into man-eaters and ensure a more harmonious coexistence between humans and these magnificent predators.