Chennai, Nov 27 (NationPress) The forest officials at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) have initiated efforts to capture a senior male tiger, known as MTRT37, after its involvement in the tragic death of a tribal woman in Mavanallah near Masinagudi.

This decision came after a thorough review meeting led by Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra on Wednesday evening.

According to officials, two trap cages will be set up in the vicinity—one near the stream where the incident occurred and another at a location frequently visited by the tiger, as evidenced by camera-trap data. A third cage may be added if deemed necessary.

MTR Field Director R. Kiruba Shankar mentioned that immediately following the death of B. Nagiyammal, camera traps were installed to verify the tiger’s involvement. Over the past four days, the number of cameras in the area has been escalated to 34.

Officials estimate that the tiger is approximately 15 years old and may be facing challenges in hunting its usual prey due to age-related decline, potentially mistaking the woman for livestock.

To ensure accurate tracking, a thermal drone is being utilized to monitor the tiger’s movements, while four field teams comprising 25 personnel are patrolling the forest edges continuously.

Additionally, the Forest Department is executing awareness campaigns in tribal villages to reduce human-tiger interactions.

As a safety measure, authorities are transporting 15 schoolchildren from the settlement to Mavanallah Higher Secondary School daily, as they previously needed to walk nearly 1.5 km through hazardous areas.

Residents have been advised to refrain from grazing cattle or traveling alone near the forest. Officials noted that the tiger has been a long-time inhabitant of the area, typically roaming within a 3-5 km radius in the Mavanallah range.

Its territory has diminished due to aging, and aside from this incident, the animal has not been linked to prior attacks.

The incident has heightened concern throughout the Nilgiris, which has experienced several leopard-related fatalities in recent years.

Leopards venturing into settlements in Pandalur, Gudalur, and Masinagudi have assaulted elderly individuals and harmed others, increasing anxiety among local populations.

In the adjacent Coimbatore district, the Valparai plateau has also reported recurring human-leopard conflicts, with at least three fatalities in recent years involving plantation workers returning home after late shifts.

These events have driven forest officials to enhance night patrols, expand camera-trap networks, and bolster community education initiatives across vulnerable tea and forest edges.

As the search for MTRT37 continues, authorities are optimistic that prompt action will mitigate further conflict and restore tranquility in the affected area.