Forest officials in Karnataka are on high alert after confirming the presence of a tigress and her four cubs near a human settlement. The big cat family was successfully tracked using advanced drone camera technology in the Nanjedevapura village area, sparking urgent safety and monitoring measures.
Drone Surveillance Captures Rare Family Movement
The critical sighting occurred on Tuesday, when authorities deployed a drone to monitor reported tiger movement. The aerial camera clearly captured the tigress moving along with her four cubs in the forested patches near Nanjedevapura village. This village falls under the Hunsur taluk in Mysuru district, a region known for its proximity to rich wildlife habitats.
The use of drone technology proved pivotal in assessing the situation without intruding on the animals or putting ground staff at immediate risk. It provided a clear picture of the family unit, their number, and their general direction of travel. Officials confirmed the cubs appear to be young, indicating the tigress has established a territory in the area.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures Activated
Following the drone confirmation, the forest department swung into action. A team of officials, including Range Forest Officer (RFO) Mahesh Kumar, promptly visited Nanjedevapura to assess the ground situation and initiate precautionary steps.
An alert has been officially issued to the residents of Nanjedevapura and surrounding villages. People have been strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, especially during early morning and late evening hours. The department has specifically warned against venturing into forest fringes or nearby agricultural fields alone during these times.
To bolster surveillance, the department has increased patrols in the zone. Camera traps have been installed at strategic locations to continuously monitor the movements of the tigress and her cubs. The primary goal is to track their movement patterns and ensure they do not come into conflict with human populations.
Long-Term Monitoring and Coexistence Strategy
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge and opportunity of human-wildlife coexistence in Karnataka. The forest department's strategy involves continuous monitoring to understand whether the tigress is merely passing through or has decided to settle in the area with her offspring.
The presence of a tigress with four cubs is a significant ecological indicator, suggesting healthy prey base and habitat in the region. However, it also necessitates heightened management efforts. Officials are prepared to guide the animals back into deeper forest reserves if they stray too close to villages, using safe and proven methods to avert any potential conflict.
Public cooperation is considered essential for the success of these measures. The department is engaging with local communities to share information and safety protocols, ensuring both human safety and the protection of this important tiger family.
