Was a Tiger Responsible for Killing 13 Cows in TN's Gudalur?
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Synopsis
After a prolonged search, forest officials in Tamil Nadu's Gudalur have successfully captured a male tiger responsible for killing 13 cows across several villages. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to manage human-wildlife conflict and secure the safety of both residents and wildlife.
Key Takeaways
- The tiger was responsible for the deaths of 13 cows.
- After three months, it was captured using a baited trap.
- The operation was authorized by the Chief Wildlife Warden.
- Future steps include relocating the tiger to minimize human-wildlife conflict.
- Media restrictions were enforced to protect the animal during transfer.
Chennai, Nov 29 (NationPress) After an extensive search lasting three months, forest officials in Tamil Nadu's Gudalur forest division successfully captured a male tiger that had been implicated in the deaths of 13 cows in Devarsholai and nearby villages.
The tiger, estimated to be around three years old, entered a specially designed trap early on Saturday morning.
To entice the predator, officials had placed a cow as bait inside the cage, which the tiger approached during the early hours.
The operation commenced following an order from Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra in early August, responding to numerous complaints from locals about cattle deaths over a six-month period.
In response, the Forest Department set up a large cage measuring 30 feet in length and 10 feet in height, transported from Kerala's Wayanad and assembled at the end of August.
According to Gudalur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) N. Venkatesh Prabhu, the team had been monitoring the tiger for months using camera traps strategically placed around the forest's vulnerable areas.
"The stripe pattern on the tiger corresponds with what we have been observing. The animal is not sedated and is currently quite active. Our team is working to calm it down," he stated.
The next step involves transferring the tiger from the large trap cage to a smaller transport cage, as per the guidelines set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
"This transfer will occur in the presence of an authorized monitoring team, which includes NGO representatives and a local ward councillor, to ensure transparency and compliance with protocols," he added.
Once safely relocated, the tiger will be taken deep into the reserve forest, away from human habitation, to minimize the chances of future conflicts.
There was a brief moment of tension when media personnel claimed that forest officials prevented them from capturing photographs or videos of the operation. While revenue and police staff allowed access, the Forest Department enforced strict rules at the site to avoid disturbing the animal during this critical phase.
Officials highlighted that this capture represents a significant advancement in managing human-wildlife conflicts in the area, ensuring the safety of both the villagers and the wildlife in the Gudalur landscape.
Point of View
The capture of the tiger signifies both a triumph in wildlife management and an urgent need to address the ongoing human-wildlife conflict. It's crucial for authorities to balance the protection of agricultural interests and the conservation of wildlife, ensuring harmony in shared habitats.
NationPress
29/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the search for the tiger?
The search was initiated following numerous complaints from villagers about a tiger killing cattle over a six-month period.
How was the tiger captured?
Officials placed a cow inside a specially designed cage to lure the tiger, which entered the trap early on Saturday.
What will happen to the tiger now?
The tiger will be moved to a smaller transport cage and then relocated deep into the reserve forest to prevent further conflict with humans.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety during the transfer?
The transfer will occur with the oversight of an authorized monitoring team, including NGO representatives, to ensure transparency.
Why is this capture important?
This capture is a key step in addressing human-wildlife conflict in the region, ensuring the safety of both villagers and wildlife.
