TN chief wildlife warden issues order to capture tiger that killed tribal woman in Nilgiris

UDHAGAMANDALAM: Two weeks after a tribal woman was killed by a tiger in the Nilgiris district, the chief wildlife warden of Tamil Nadu has issued an order to capture the big cat. This decision comes after residents of Mavanallah expressed concerns about their safety.

Trap cages are being set up in the area to capture the tiger, and drones will be used to monitor its movement.B Nagiammal, 65, of Mavanallah was mauled to death by a tiger while she was grazing her goats on a parcel of patta in the Masinagudi division of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) on Nov 24. Deputy director of the MTR (core zone) M G Ganesan said an aged tiger had been detected by one of the camera traps set up in the area after the incident.

“We set up at least 29 camera traps in and around the area. However, the tiger was not detected by any of the cameras after Nov 25. We have formed four teams to monitor the tiger’s movements,” said Ganesan.He said, “We are now using drones, which have a coverage more than 3km, to locate the tiger, in addition to the camera traps and manual patrols by the teams in the area.”In accordance with the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, efforts would be made to capture the tiger, he said. Residents have been advised not to venture out during late evenings.