Residents of the Mhadei region near the Goa border are facing a growing threat from tigers, with a recent spate of attacks on domestic animals. The incidents have heightened concerns among villagers and prompted forest department action.
Recent Attacks in Surla and Kankumbi
In two separate incidents, tigers have preyed on livestock, causing alarm in local communities. At Surla, a tiger killed two cows belonging to the Pingale family. The attack has left the family distressed and awaiting official compensation for their loss.
Range Forest Officer of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Geerish Bailudkar, confirmed that the process to provide compensation to the Pingale family is underway. This is a standard procedure followed by the forest department when wildlife causes damage to property or livestock.
Chaotic Scene at Kankumbi Village
In another alarming event, a tiger attacked two buffaloes at Kambar Ves in Kankumbi, an area located just meters away from the Goa border. The buffaloes were grazing when the predator struck.
The situation turned chaotic as other buffaloes in the herd began to run. Members of farmer Babu Bodke's family raised an alarm upon witnessing the attack. In the ensuing confusion, the tiger managed to attack another buffalo before retreating into the dense jungle.
Increased Tiger Activity and Official Response
The Kambar Ves area is not new to tiger presence. Villagers report frequent sightings, even in broad daylight. To monitor the movement of big cats, forest officials from the Kankumbi range have installed camera traps, which have successfully captured images of tigers in the vicinity.
Regarding a separate incident involving a killed calf, Range Forest Officer of Kankumbi, W P Mane, stated that a search was conducted based on information from forest staff, but the calf could not be located. He assured that if the affected family submits a formal application for compensation, the department will take the necessary steps to address their claim.
The rising incidents underscore the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the biodiverse region. While the forest department's compensation scheme aims to mitigate financial losses for farmers, the repeated attacks point to a need for broader strategies to ensure the safety of both livestock and the endangered tigers that are venturing close to human settlements.
