NIZAMABAD: For the first time in nearly half a century, the movement of a tiger has been reported in the undivided Nizamabad district. Forest officials have identified the presence of a tiger, designated S12, at four different locations within a week, prompting a high alert in the remote and interior forest regions along the borders of Nizamabad, Kamareddy, and Rajanna Sircilla districts.
To prevent potential attacks on livestock and humans living near forested areas, authorities have launched awareness campaigns. Gram panchayats and tribal thandas in Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts are educating villagers about the risks posed by the tiger’s movement.
The first pugmarks were discovered in Sirikonda mandal, and the tiger is believed to have attacked a cow in School Thanda of Ramareddy mandal, Kamareddy district, last Monday. In response, villagers have stopped moving alone and are travelling in groups out of fear.
Meanwhile, leopard attacks on cattle have been reported in Ramareddy, Navipet, and other areas, leading to confusion among villagers about whether a tiger or leopard is responsible. To alert residents, local workers, assisted by forest officials, are beating drums (dappu) and making announcements in affected villages.
People in Machareddy, Ramareddy, Sirikonda, Dharpally, Bheemgal, Kammarpally, and surrounding mandals are deeply concerned about the increased movement of wild animals.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kamareddy district forest officer B. Nikhitha said that patrolling has been intensified, and trap cameras have been installed in remote areas to monitor the tiger’s movement. “In case of livestock attacks, compensation is being provided immediately based on reports from the Animal Husbandry Department and the market value of the animals,” she added.
In a significant development, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Elusing Meru visited the affected areas in Kamareddy district on Friday. He directed officials to take all necessary precautions and stressed the importance of tracking the tiger’s movements and monitoring its condition.
