Forest authorities in Telangana have sounded alerts across three districts following confirmed sightings of tigers, prompting urgent safety advisories for local residents. The big cats were reported in the districts of Peddapalli, Kamareddy, and Nagarkurnool, with one identified as a transient tiger from the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.
District-Wise Alerts and Tiger Movements
In Peddapalli district, a tiger has been moving along forest fringes and agricultural fields for several weeks. C Suvarna, Telangana's principal chief conservator of forests and acting chief wildlife warden, confirmed to the Times of India that the animal is a transient from Maharashtra and has been involved in cattle kills. Its movement was noted near the Singareni Coal mines and closed quarry pits.
The Forest Department issued an emergency public alert for villages including NTPC, Mallyalapalli, Kundanpalli, Rayadandi, Lingapur, Pamulapet, Medipalli, Ramapuram, Anthargam, Palakurthi, Dharmaram, Kamanapur, and Ramagiri. Residents are strictly advised not to venture into forest areas alone and to avoid agrarian fields, especially between 4 pm and 9 pm near forest boundaries.
Public Safety Measures and Compensation
The department's advisory mandates villagers to immediately inform forest officials if they spot the tiger, find pugmarks, or if a cattle kill occurs. Compensation will be provided for livestock lost to tiger attacks. Officials have also issued a stern warning against any attempts to harm the tiger through electrocution, snares, or poisoning, stating such acts are punishable under wildlife protection laws.
In Nagarkurnool district, parts of which fall within the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, a separate alert was issued after a tiger was sighted near farmlands and water bodies. The alert specifically mentions areas around Malleswaram, Venkal, and Yangapalli tanda, urging farmers and cattle grazers to stay vigilant. Similarly, in Kamareddy district, tiger movement has been officially flagged by the authorities.
Mating Season Leads to Increased Activity
Officials have linked the increased tiger movement on forest fringes to the ongoing mating season. "This is the mating season, and they are in search of their mates," explained C Suvarna. This natural behaviour often leads tigers to explore new territories, sometimes bringing them closer to human habitation as they traverse forest corridors and fringes.
The department's coordinated response across the three districts underscores the critical balance between wildlife conservation and public safety. Residents are urged to cooperate with forest officials, adhere to the advisories, and report any sightings promptly to ensure the safety of both communities and the protected tigers.
