Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has disbursed ₹41.33 crore as compensation to people affected by wildlife attacks since 2021, Forest Minister A K Saseendran informed the Assembly on Thursday.

Between 2021 and July 31, 2025, a total of 390 people lost their lives in such incidents. Among these, 67 fatalities were reported from the tribal communities alone. 

Out of the total 390 fatalities, the peak was in 2021–22 with 113 deaths, and the lowest was in 2025–26 (up to July 2025) with 21 fatalities. Families of the deceased received ₹23.73 crore during this period, with the highest annual payout of ₹7.97 crore in 2024–25, a year that recorded 67 fatalities.

In the same period, 5,464 people sustained injuries in wildlife attacks. The state disbursed ₹17.59 crore as compensation for the injured, including ₹6.03 crore in 2023–24 alone, when 1,603 cases were reported — the highest in five years. However, the highest number of cases reported is in 2024-25: 1705 injuries. 

As of July 7, 2025, compensation remains pending for 51 death claims and 738 injury claims. The minister said payments will be released once the required documents are submitted.

According to figures presented in the Assembly earlier in March, wild elephants were responsible for the highest number of casualties, claiming 111 lives in the state between 2020 and 2025.