Wandering Tiger Claims Eighth Cattle Victim in Telangana's Jangaon District
A wandering tiger continued its pattern of livestock predation in Telangana on Friday, killing a two-and-a-half-year-old calf at Mandelagudem village in Raghunathpally mandal of Jangaon district. This incident represents the eighth confirmed cattle kill attributed to the big cat since it first entered Telangana territory last month.
Farmer Discovers Calf Killed in Cattle Shed
The attack occurred despite intensified tracking efforts by the forest department to monitor the tiger's movements and prevent further livestock losses. Farmer P Raju reported finding his calf dead in a cattle shed near his agricultural field, with clear evidence pointing to a tiger attack. He immediately alerted forest officials, who responded promptly alongside local police authorities.
Officials conducted a thorough examination of the scene, analyzing pugmarks and other physical evidence that confirmed the tiger's presence and movement through the area. The investigation revealed that the predator had passed through the same location barely two hours before the calf's body was discovered.
Forest Department Deploying Multiple Tracking Teams
Jangaon District Forest Officer B Lavanya addressed media representatives, confirming that the tiger had traveled from Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district to Jangaon. "We have deployed four tracking teams along with one specialized rescue team from Pune to monitor the tiger's movement," Lavanya stated. "After analyzing the pug marks, we have determined that the tiger is currently prowling toward Narmetta mandal."
The forest department has implemented multiple technological solutions to enhance their tracking capabilities. "We have established camera traps and are utilizing drone cameras to identify the tiger's precise movement patterns," Lavanya explained. "Public announcements have been made across five mandals in Jangaon district, cautioning residents against venturing into forest areas for cattle grazing."
Increased Movement Patterns and Safety Warnings
District Forest Range Officer Kondal Reddy provided additional insights into the tiger's behavioral changes. "The animal is now covering significantly longer distances during nighttime hours, traveling up to 25 kilometers and entering newer, non-forest areas," Reddy noted. "This represents a substantial shift from just a week ago when its movement was relatively more limited and confined."
Forest authorities have issued stern warnings to local farmers regarding safety measures. "If anyone is found installing traps or live electric wires near borewells or agricultural fields, legal cases will be registered against them," Lavanya emphasized. This precaution aims to prevent dangerous situations for both humans and wildlife.
Hyena Attack Adds Complexity to Wildlife Situation
In a related development that complicates the wildlife management scenario, forest officials confirmed a separate striped hyena attack on cattle in Ramachandrapuram village, located approximately 5 to 6 kilometers from the recent tiger kill site. Kondal Reddy clarified the distinguishing characteristics between the two types of attacks.
"Hyenas typically target the stomach area and feed primarily on the intestines," Reddy explained. "This distinctive feeding pattern helps our officials differentiate between hyena attacks and tiger kills, which is crucial for accurate tracking and response planning."
Enhanced Tracking and Containment Strategy
To strengthen their monitoring capabilities, the forest department has enlisted additional expertise. Animal trackers and wildlife rescuers from Maharashtra have joined local forest teams, bringing specialized knowledge and experience to the challenging situation. Officials emphasized that their primary focus remains closely monitoring the tiger's movement patterns and developing a comprehensive strategy to guide the animal back toward forested areas.
Simultaneously, authorities are maintaining vigilant communication with villages along the tiger's potential path, ensuring residents receive timely alerts and safety instructions. The tiger, which has been moving across multiple mandals in and around Jangaon district, continues to present significant challenges for forest authorities as it ventures further into human-dominated landscapes, thereby increasing the risk of additional livestock losses and potential human-wildlife conflict.
