Synopsis
The Kerala Forest Department is actively working to capture a tiger that has caused distress among residents in Granby, Idukki. The tiger, appearing weak and injured, has been roaming the area for over five days, prompting the deployment of a Rapid Response Team and the enforcement of a prohibitory order to ensure public safety.Key Takeaways
- Kerala Forest Department resumes tiger capture efforts.
- Prohibitory orders enforced in Granby to ensure safety.
- Rapid Response Team deployed to assist in tranquilisation.
- Officials urge residents to stay indoors and secure livestock.
- Increasing human-wildlife conflicts due to population growth.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 16 (NationPress) The Kerala Forest Department has reinitiated its efforts on Sunday to capture a tiger that has instilled fear among the residents of Granby, located near Vandiperiyar in Kerala's Idukki.
The tiger, which seems to be weak and injured, has been wandering in the vicinity for more than five days, leading to panic amongst the locals.
To aid the tranquilisation operation, a prohibitory order was enacted in Gramby (Ward 15) of Vandiperiyar Panchayat on Sunday.
A Rapid Response Team (RRT) was deployed to assist in the tranquilisation and capture of the tiger. Forest officials confirmed the animal's presence after it attacked two cattle belonging to local residents, Manikandan and Eshayya.
Previously, the Department had positioned a cage near the Government LP School in Gramby to ensnare the animal, but the attempt was unsuccessful due to the tiger's weakened state, leading officials to shift their focus to tranquilisation.
The Vice President of Vandiperiyar Panchayat, Sreeraman M, noted that the tiger's presence has caused alarm among plantation workers.
"Officials have advised locals to remain indoors and safeguard their livestock. The tiger is suspected to frequent a water source in a nearby tea estate," he remarked.
A Forest department official mentioned that the search operation has faced challenges due to thick mist in the region.
Although the tiger is believed to be in the area where it was last spotted, it continues to move, complicating tracking efforts.
Officials from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department are aiding in the search using drone technology and pug mark tracking to observe the animal's movements.
Keralan Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran addressed the media, stating, "The Department has dual responsibilities — to protect wildlife and ensure human safety. We are taking all necessary measures and hope to find a solution by today."
As per official data from February 28, Kerala has reported 57 human fatalities due to wildlife encounters in the current financial year (2024-25). This figure includes 15 deaths from elephant encounters, eight from wild boar incidents, one from a tiger attack, 32 from snake bites, and one caused by a porcupine.
The escalating number of human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala can be linked to the state's extensive forest cover, which constitutes 29.1 percent of its total land area.
Over 100,000 tribal residents inhabit these forests, alongside nearly 500,000 non-tribal residents in adjacent settlements and border areas.
Rapid population growth and human encroachment into wooded areas have exacerbated these conflicts, resulting in widespread crop destruction, livestock loss, property damage, and, in several instances, human casualties.
In the financial year 2024-25, more than 50 wild elephant attacks have been documented statewide, with an increasing number of fatalities.
Authorities are under mounting pressure to deploy effective strategies to alleviate these conflicts and ensure the safety of people residing in and around forested regions.
