Tiger Spotted in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District, Kills Calf; Forest Officials Deploy Drones and Camera Traps
In a significant development, a tiger that has been traversing through Turkapally and Bhuvanagiri mandals in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district was sighted for the first time by forest officials near Chinna Lakshmipuram and Vasalamarri villages. This sighting has heightened concerns among local residents and authorities alike.
Calf Killing Incident Triggers Fresh Alarm
The big cat escalated tensions by killing a calf on Sunday morning, sparking renewed fear among villagers. Javed Hussain, deputy range officer, provided details to TOI, explaining that the calf, owned by farmer C Narasimhulu, was taken from a cattle shed on the outskirts of the village. The tiger dragged the calf approximately one kilometre into nearby forested terrain.
The incident came to light around 6:30 am when Narasimhulu went to milk his cows and discovered the calf missing. During his search, he noticed tiger pugmarks and followed them towards the forest, where he reportedly witnessed the tiger feeding on the calf.
Immediate Response from Authorities
Narasimhulu promptly alerted the villagers and informed the village sarpanch, who then notified the forest officials. A forest department team swiftly reached the spot, confirmed that the pugmarks belonged to a tiger, and took immediate action.
Key measures implemented include:
- Installation of camera traps to monitor the tiger's movements.
- Placement of a cage near the site where the animal preyed on the calf.
- Deployment of several teams, including animal trackers, to monitor the tiger and prevent human-wildlife conflict.
- Use of thermal camera-equipped drones to track the animal effectively.
Safety Advisory for Residents
Forest officials have issued crucial safety guidelines to protect the community. Residents are advised:
- Not to move alone in vulnerable areas.
- To avoid venturing into forest regions unnecessarily.
- To return home before dusk to minimise risks.
Additionally, shepherds have been instructed to keep livestock away from forest fringes to prevent further attacks.
Pattern of Attacks in the Region
This incident marks the fourth instance of cattle killing linked to the same tiger in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district since January 17. It is reported that the tiger crossed into Telangana from Maharashtra around that time. Earlier attacks were documented in Ibrahimpura, Ralla Jangaon, and Dattaipally villages, indicating a consistent pattern of movement and predation.
The forest department's proactive measures aim to balance wildlife conservation with community safety, emphasising the importance of coexistence in regions prone to human-wildlife interactions.
