A six-year-old male tiger has been roaming the Tembha forest area in Gangavati taluk for approximately 85 days, prompting forest department officials to remain on high alert. The presence of the big cat has instilled fear among local villagers, while wildlife experts are investigating whether the limited availability of natural prey in the region can sustain the animal long-term. Although the tiger may eventually return to its original habitat, the journey back poses significant risks.
This is the first time a tiger has been sighted in the region in about five decades, with the animal moving between the Mallapur and Tembha forest areas. Reports indicate that the tiger has killed more than 20 livestock animals. The forested zones are also home to a significant population of leopards and wild boars.
Forest department officials in Koppar have received verbal permission from their superiors to capture the tiger, though the operation is challenging due to the remote terrain. The area features rocky hills, caves, and numerous natural hiding spots, making it difficult to locate the animal. Neither forest staff nor locals have seen the tiger directly; officials rely on indirect evidence such as pugmarks, scat, and livestock kills. Footprints of the tiger have been detected in cameras set up by the department. Experts have expressed concern that the environment in the Tembha area is hazardous for both humans and the tiger.
Nirmala N.K., the Deputy Conservator of Forests for Koppar, stated that the department has deployed more than 50 cameras and drones to monitor the tiger’s movements. She noted that the tiger has been captured on camera only twice so far. The animal has access to a shelter area exceeding 1,000 hectares. The dry, rocky nature of the terrain makes it difficult to detect the tiger’s footprints. Nirmala added that it is not certain if the tiger is responsible for all livestock deaths in Tembha and surrounding areas, as the Kishkindha region also has a notable leopard population. Most of the animals killed so far have been goats and calves.
Several days ago, the tiger killed four calves in a single day and consumed two of them. Forest officials placed a bonus near the remaining two calves, but the tiger did not return to the site. The tiger’s presence is increasingly affecting the daily lives of villagers.
Experts warn that the confirmed presence of the tiger in Tembha creates a risk of human-wildlife conflict, especially in areas with high human activity. Rajesh Gopal, former Secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), advised that the tiger should be translocated from the Tembha area, which lacks natural prey and has high human traffic, to a tiger reserve with lower density. He explained that while it is natural for tigers to roam while searching for new territory, this individual has entered a habitat that does not support its survival. This could turn the valuable animal into a nuisance and escalate human-animal conflict. Gopal recommended that officials follow NTCA guidelines and consider the status of the tiger’s presence before translocating it to a safe location.
Local goat and cattle herders have raised concerns, noting that these forest sections are among the few places where they can easily find grazing for their animals. They are facing difficulties because department officials have instructed them not to enter the forest.
Veerupakshi M., a resident of Anegondi, highlighted the challenges faced by herders due to these restrictions.