Wandering Tiger Deepens Fear in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri with Fifth Cattle Kill
The persistent presence of a wandering tiger in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana continues to escalate anxiety among rural communities, with the big cat striking again on Tuesday morning. This latest incident marks the fifth cattle kill since January 17, underscoring the growing human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Latest Attack in Basanthapuram Village
In the early hours of Tuesday, the tiger claimed another calf in Basanthapuram village of Rajapet mandal. The victim belonged to farmer Katkuri Ramesh, adding to a grim tally that has now reached five livestock deaths in just over two weeks. Forest officials traced fresh pugmarks from the outskirts of Nemila through Pittalagudem fringes, extending up to the Lakshmakapalli forest area, indicating the tiger's movement across multiple habitations.
Expanding Range and Villager Concerns
The tiger's roaming pattern has now expanded beyond Turkapally mandal into Rajapet mandal, spreading fear among villagers who feel increasingly vulnerable. Despite repeated assurances from forest authorities that the animal would return to its original habitat, it continues to linger in the same mandals, venturing into new villages and preying on livestock. "Forest officials keep saying the tiger will go back, but it is roaming the same mandals and visiting different villages," expressed a concerned local resident, highlighting the community's skepticism.
Timeline of Attacks and Official Response
The series of attacks began on January 17, when the tiger is believed to have crossed into Telangana from Maharashtra. Since then, calves have been killed in:
- Ibrahimpuram
- Ralla Jangaon
- Dattaipally
- Gandamalla
- Basanthapuram
In response, forest teams have intensified surveillance efforts. They have installed camera traps, placed cages, and deployed thermal camera drones along with animal trackers to monitor the tiger's movements and prevent further conflicts. Deputy range officer Javed Hussain sighted the tiger near Gandamalla village on Saturday evening, just a day before it killed a calf there.
Possible Reasons for Tiger's Behavior
Explaining the unusual movement, Hussain suggested that the tiger likely traveled from the Tadoba landscape in Maharashtra in search of a mate. "From September to January, it is the mating period for tigers. This tiger came searching for a female, moving through areas like Kamareddy, Siddipet, and Narsapur but did not find one," he stated. He added that the cool weather might be prolonging its search, and once temperatures change, hormonal activity is expected to subside, prompting a return to its habitat.
Precautionary Measures and Ongoing Vigilance
As the tiger remains in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, forest officials have advised shepherds to avoid forest areas and cautioned residents against moving alone or after dusk. With five cattle kills in a short span and its range expanding, the situation demands heightened vigilance. The deployment of advanced tracking technologies aims to safeguard both wildlife and human communities, but the lingering fear underscores the challenges in managing such conflicts effectively.
