What Happened in Bagaha with the Captured Tiger?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tiger captured after killing a farmer.
- Quick response by Bihar Forest Department.
- Tiger to be relocated to Patna Zoo.
- 54 tigers currently in Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
- Incident highlights human-wildlife conflict.
Patna, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Bihar Forest Department successfully captured a tiger that had wandered from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) into populated areas of Bagaha, resulting in the death of a farmer just a day prior, and injuring a forest tracker.
The operation was wrapped up in less than 24 hours, involving the sedation of the big cat and its safe transportation for a medical evaluation before its scheduled relocation to the Patna Zoo.
The unfortunate incident occurred when the tiger attacked and killed farmer Mathura Mahato while he was tending to his fields in Nariya Sareh near Ghoraghaat Khairhani village, close to the Govardhana forest region of VTR Forest Division-1.
During the rescue operation, forest worker Vijay Oraon sustained injuries from a tiger attack on Tuesday.
Dr. Neshamani K, Conservator-cum-Field Director of VTR, reported that the tiger, estimated to be around 12 years old, was discovered in a weakened condition.
Veterinary examinations indicated that the tiger had been unable to hunt for wild prey due to its age and frailty, leading it to encroach upon human settlements.
Officials speculate that its natural habitat is in the Madi forest of Nepal.
The rescue team, which included DFO Vikas Ahlawat, Ranger Satyam Kumar, Veterinary Doctor Sanjeev Kumar, and Biologist Pankaj Ojha, utilized drone cameras to monitor the tiger's movements.
A trap was set up in a sugarcane field, and the animal was sedated with a tranquillizer gun at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, before being loaded into a rescue vehicle.
The tiger has undergone a health check-up and will soon be transferred to Patna Zoo.
The Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve (VTR) and its surrounding regions, including Manguraha and Gobardhana, are recognized as natural habitats for various wildlife species.
According to official statistics, there are currently 54 tigers residing in VTR.
Sitting in the Bagaha subdivision of West Champaran district, Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve is celebrated for its rich biodiversity.
It serves as a natural sanctuary for iconic species such as tigers, leopards, deer, blackbucks, and many more.