Tamil Nadu Forest Department Deploys Special Squads to Track Man-Eater Tiger in Nilgiris

A massive search operation for the tiger is currently being conducted in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu since the male tiger has been labeled as a man-eater after the fatal attacks that happened twice in the vicinity of the O-Valley area of Gudalur. 

These operations have followed the death of two persons in two different occasions in the same place recently. The recent attack resulted in the death of a 54-year-old farmer when he was attacked while working near his home in the O Valley area of Gudalur on August 21. It is said that some parts of his body were found to be consumed by the tiger.

Why Has the Tiger Been Declared a Man-Eater?

It has been done based on evidence of the same tiger being responsible for killing in two different places as well as evidence showing that the tiger had eaten some of the parts of its victims. It has been said that there was a comparison made between pugmarks and other evidences from both locations.

This has created serious fear among those who live and work around the fringe of the forest. It involves those living and working in the plantations and forest fringe areas.

How Is the Forest Department Monitoring the Tiger?

The Forest Department of Tamil Nadu has initiated a widespread monitoring and surveillance of the tiger. There have been reports about deployment of three thermal drones as well as 50 camera traps around the forest land. Also, there are six cages that have been placed in important areas to facilitate capture of the tiger. 

A total of more than 80 forest staff have been involved in continuous surveillance and combing exercises. Physical evidence of pugmarks as well as other evidence, is being followed on the ground while thermal drones are being used to look at the inaccessible areas.

Where Is the Operation Taking Place?

The spotlight is fixed on the O-Valley region around Gudalur in the Nilgiris, specifically sites where the deaths took place. This is because the area comprises of forest lands and plantations, which make the task difficult. 

Efforts are being made by the authorities to keep track of the routes used by the tiger to travel from the forests to the settlements. The plantation owners have been told to halt work in those areas where it is believed that the tiger would travel.

What Are Officials Planning to Do With the Tiger?

The first step would be to try to get hold of the animal safely. The authorities have said that there will be attempts to tranquillize the tiger if the situation allows for it. But there have also been instances reported wherein shooting the tiger has been permitted if the tiger attacks and becomes a threat to human life.

The health and well-being of the tiger have not been completely confirmed by the camera trap pictures. After the tiger is caught, a medical examination would give a more clear idea of what should be done.

In Tamil Nadu Assembly on August 24, Tamil Nadu Forest Minister Ranjit Kumar announced that three groups would be formed to catch the tiger. He said that the group would comprise of a veterinarian, a wildlife expert and forest officers, and that the captured tiger would be taken to Vandalur, Chennai, or any tiger camp nearby.

Why Are Residents Being Asked to Stay Indoors?

Residents have been asked by the Forest Department to exercise utmost caution till such time that the operation is on. People have been asked not to move around outside late nights and during the early morning hours when visibility is limited and movements of wildlife cannot be predicted.

This warning is most relevant for the plantation workers and people residing in close proximity to the forest edges. The objective is to minimize human movements in the area where the tiger is thought to be operating and thus decrease the chance of any further confrontation.

Reason Why It Matters from the Human-Wildlife Conflicts Perspective

Nilgiris is one of the major landscapes of wildlife but its forests are interspersed with plantations and villages inhabited by people. Thus human-wildlife conflicts are common in this area.

This case shows how fast the wildlife-related problem may become a public safety issue after consecutive encounters have taken place. On the other hand, tracking down and capturing the tiger in the complex terrain of forests needs careful planning since it is necessary both to ensure the safety of residents and manage the animal.

What Happens After the Tiger Is Captured?

This will depend upon how healthy the tiger is, along with its behavior and assessment of the tiger by the wildlife authorities. The veterinary test is expected to give further details about the health status of the tiger.

It has been said that the tiger can be relocated if necessary and Vandalur and tiger facility could be some options. Ultimately, however, the decision will depend upon the permission of the competent wildlife authorities and assessment of the animal.

What Should Residents Do?

Residents need to make sure to follow the guidelines issued by the Forest Department. Residents of the area must try to stay away from moving around through plantations and forest edges at night or dawn.

People should also not attempt to locate or take pictures of the tiger because specialized teams are already using drones, camera and people on ground to track the tiger.

Conclusion

The Nilgiris is experiencing a forest operation in the wake of linking a male tiger with two fatalities near the O-Valley region around Gudalur. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has employed special teams, thermal drones, camera traps, and cages as it makes efforts to locate and capture the animal.

The most important thing for the residents at this moment is their safety. The authorities are advising people to avoid moving around in risky locations until the tiger is captured, whereas the Tamil Nadu Forest Department is carrying out its operation on a 24-hour basis.

In view of the deaths which have been caused by the tiger, the operation in the Nilgiris has entered into high-alert phase.

Wildlife stories making headlines—explore the latest developments.

Why Are Big Cats Spotted?
Check out the latest safety alerts following big cat sightings in Bahraich.

How Is Kaziranga Battling Floods?
Uncover wildlife rescue and conservation efforts underway across flood-hit Kaziranga.

Where Were Leopard Cubs Found?
See how two leopard cubs were spotted inside a Karnataka banana plantation.

How Does Turtle Smuggling Operate?
Track down the alleged wildlife trafficking network reportedly using Indian Railways.

What Happened in Maharashtra Forest?
Find out about the shocking case involving an American woman found chained in a forest.