Madikeri: The Forest Department has intensified efforts to capture a tiger that has been causing distress among residents of South Kodagu by preying on livestock. In a recent operation, forest personnel combed through West Nemmale village in Srimangala Hobli, where they discovered a partially devoured wild boar carcass, leading them to believe the tiger might be nearby and likely to return to its kill.
To enhance the chances of capture, a strategically placed cage was set up at the location. A dedicated team of 60 personnel, comprising members from the Forest Department, Rapid Action Force, and the Elephant Task Force, scoured approximately 2 km of dense forest in West Nemmale. Despite their extensive search, they were unable to find any signs of the tiger, including pug marks.
Concerned about the potential threat to human life, Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna raised the issue with Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar. He successfully secured permission to tranquillise and capture the big cat to ensure public safety.
Meriyanda Sanketh Poovaiah, a member of the Karnataka State Wildlife Board overseeing the operation, noted that elephants Srirama and Ajay from the Mathigodu Elephant Camp have been called in to assist. However, their deployment will depend on finding strong evidence of the tiger’s presence to prevent potential damage to nearby coffee plantations.
Key officials involved in this operation include Madikeri Wildlife Division Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Nehru, Virajpet DCF Jagganath, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Srinivas Nayak, Srimangala Range Forest Officer (RFO) Shankar, tranquillization expert Dr. Chittiappa, and sharpshooter Ranjan.
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